Ready to face probe on charges levelled by Congress on illegal drug manufacturing issue: Speaker

Speaker R. Selvam on Tuesday said he was ready to face any inquiry on the charges levelled against him by the Congress after the police busted illegal drug manufacturing units in Puducherry.

Addressing a press conference here, the Speaker said former Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy and Member of Parliament and Pradesh Congress Committee chief V. Vaithilingam have made certain remarks linking him to the illegal functioning of drug manufacturing units.

“Both the Congress leaders have stated that the owner of the drug manufacturing units, Raja, is connected to a BJP leader who has clout in running the Assembly. Even though they have not named me, I am challenging the Congress leaders to prove their charges. I am ready to face any probe on the issue,“ he said. 

Replying to a question if he knows Raja, Mr. Selvam said he had no contacts with the owner of the units. But, he went on to add that several people meet him in the Assembly and that there was no bar on the people meeting the Speaker in his office.

The Speaker further said Mr. Narayanasamy should offer explanation to the allegations and charges levelled against his Ministry of supplying substandard drugs to government hospitals during his tenure.