Pondicherry chief-minister Narayanaswamy has expressed his regret at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks about the Congress Govt. in place in the State.  “Such remarks coming from a person holding the highest position in the country are rather unfortunate,” he said, referring to the prime-minister’s criticism of the Puducherry Government and its administration.

‘It’s high time the Prime Minister realized that the (political) trend in the country is fast-changing. Karnataka would remain with us (Congress) as we are set to win the upcoming Assembly polls. Congress would soon regain power in Maharashtra and Haryana as well,” Narayanaswamy exuded confidence.

“Not only for the Congress; success and failures are common for any political party in a democracy. It is not for the Prime Minister but the people of the respective States to decide as to who should rule them,” he said.  On another issue, the chief-minister said that he can’t comment on the issue of nominated MLAs to the Puducherry Legislative Assembly as the issue was still sub-judice.

“I have presented a memorandum to the Prime Minister requesting him to set up a Cauvery Management Board soon,” he said and added that he had also requested the Centre to waive off Puducherry’s loans.