Puducherry is set for assembly elections on April 9, with the political contest intensifying as Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted a high-energy roadshow alongside Chief Minister N Rangasamy. The campaign highlights strains within the ruling coalition while all parties prepare for a competitive election.
This election features a three-way battle as actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) enters the fray, making its political debut and adding a fresh dynamic to Puducherry’s electoral landscape. The BJP, a partner in Rangasamy’s NR Congress-led government, aims to expand its footprint. In 2021, the BJP contested 14 seats and won six, while the Congress secured two seats and the DMK six. Currently, two BJP members hold Cabinet positions under Rangasamy, signaling the party’s increasing influence in the Union Territory.
Despite the coalition’s strength, tensions remain. Rangasamy’s long-standing demand for full statehood has yet to be approved by the Centre. Disagreements also arose over the potential inclusion of lottery baron Martin’s son Charles’ LJK party, which the BJP opposes, labeling it as an outsider entity.
VP Ramalingam, BJP Puducherry president, expressed optimism, aiming to win at least nine seats and leaving the door open for the Centre to consider the statehood request. He denied claims that LJK is a proxy for the BJP.
Meanwhile, the Congress-DMK alliance hopes to regain power, contesting 16 and 14 seats respectively. The Congress has denied a ticket to former chief minister V Narayanasamy, reflecting internal reshuffling. Six rebels are also contesting against official candidates, though the party claims to have persuaded most to step back from campaigning. Puducherry Congress president MP V Vaithilingam remains confident, forecasting a two-thirds majority for the INDIA bloc.
For the BJP, Puducherry represents more than a local contest. Success here is seen as a strategic gateway to Tamil Nadu, where the party is actively seeking to strengthen its political presence.
