Puducherry, Feb 11 (PTI) Union Minister of State in the PMO, V Narayanasamy, today denied the allegation by Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy that he was making "intimidatory comments" against Puducherry officials and said he was prepared to face a probe in this regard. Hitting out at Narayanasamy, Rangasamy had recently said, "Let Narayanasamy refrain from such intimidatory comments in the larger interest of smooth working of the government". In the wake of the "harsh" criticisms and comments by Narayanasamy of late, officials in Puducherry were afraid of carrying out their assignments, Rangasamy had said. Rejecting the Chief Minister's charge as "untrue and baseless," however, Narayanasamy said he was "prepared to face a probe by the Chief Minister in this regard". Narayanasamy also told reporters that Rangasamy had allegedly caused setback to the economic development of Puducherry by failing to procure more Central support. Rangasamy had skipped participation in the National Development Council (NDC) meeting and also a meeting of State Finance Ministers held recently in Delhi and none of the officials of Puducherry government also turned up at the meetings, Narayanasamy said. "The plan and programmes for Puducherry could have been discussed at the NDC meeting and funds needed could also be procured. But Rangasamy has preferred to be absent at the meetings, which is deplorable," he said.
