Amit Shah urged to order probe caste, gender discrimination charges levelled by former Puducherry minister Chandira Priyanga

PUDUCHERRY: Former MLA and Puducherry AIADMK deputy secretary Vaiyapuri Manikandan has urged Union home minister Amit Shah to order a comprehensive investigation into gender and caste discrimination charges levelled by former minister S Chandira Priyanga against the AINRC-BJP coalition government in the Union territory of Puducherry.

Vaiyapuri sent a memorandum in this regard to Shah on Monday.

"...intervene and initiate a comprehensive investigation into the issues raised by S Chandira Priyanga. This request is being made in the best interests of the people of Puducherry and with the hope of resolving the underlying problems that have led to her resignation," Vaiyapuri wrote in the memorandum.

The former MLA from Muthialpet said it was necessary to identify the individuals responsible for causing distress to Chandira Priyanga. He said only a thorough and impartial inquiry would address the deeply concerning issue and ensure the safety and well-being of women in politics and people in the territory at large.

"We are confident that your prompt attention to this matter will help in restoring faith in governance and institutions of our state. We eagerly await your response and action on this important issue," he said.

He regretted that lieutenant governor Tamilisai Soundararajan and chief minister N Rangasamy had not taken any concrete action to address the concerns raised by the former minister.

Priyanga, who was the only women minister in the Puducherry cabinet, resigned on October 10 claiming “caste and gender discrimination, political conspiracy, and money power in the male-dominated political field.”