more-in The Puducherry government has been making tall claims that tourism is its priority. In keeping with this claim, the government has been announcing a slew of measures to promote tourism. But tourists, particularly from other States, are taken aback by the barricades erected outside the Raj Nivas, the Assembly premises, the French Consul General office and the roads leading to the Beach at White Town. This virtually hinders the flow of vehicles and the movement of those proceeding to the sea shore, particularly on the weekends. The question that is of utmost significance in the minds of the people is: how will patients going either in ambulances or their personal vehicles be able to drive through the Assembly road? Straight and beautiful roads are the hallmark of this former French colony. But the erection of iron barricades virtually keep the places of people’s representatives away from the public. Puducherry is a small and palm-sized Union Territory. What one sees in other bigger States cannot hold good here. This is a place that is known for its people-friendly policies. *** The government has received support from unusual quarters on its tussle with Lt. Governor Kiran Bedi, on fixing minimum age limit at 24 years for the recruitment of police constables. The local unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), that has often put its weight behind Ms. Bedi on all issues, in a turn around, came out against the Lt. Governor for not giving assent to the Cabinet decision to increase the age limit to 24 years. In a terse message, BJP president V. Saminathan asked Ms. Bedi to discharge responsibilities after gauging public mood. Echoing the sentiments expressed by the BJP, former MP M. Ramadass, who has been a suppporter of the Lt. Governor on many issues, too came out against Ms. Bedi. In a statement, Mr. Ramadass termed the approach as dogmatic. With the support of the BJP, there is now total unanimity among the political class that the age limit should be raised from 22 to 24 years. By S. Prasad and Rajesh B. Nair

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