Congress and BJP are both up against incumbents in Puducherry

With its intricate geographic structure, diverse population, and distribution across three states, Puducherry has garnered attention ever since the Lok Sabha polls were announced. From the difficulties faced by major political parties in selecting a candidate who would be acceptable in each of the four UT regions to the travel schedules of individual candidates in helicopters and planes, Puducherry has been in the news. But the debate over statehood, which has drawn the attention of all major party leaders—including G Tamizh Vendan (AIADMK), A Namassivayam (BJP), and V Vaithilingam (INC)—is intensifying.

The four areas of Puducherry—Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam—are dispersed over three states and are referred to as the “mini India.” The voting pattern reflects the political and cultural influences of the neighboring states. Mahe is in Kerala, Yanam is in Andhra Pradesh, while Puducherry and Karaikal are in Tamil Nadu.

Despite all of the distinctions, the statehood of Utah remains a persistent issue that almost everyone in the area thinks about. In this context, the assembly has approved thirteen resolutions. The issue gains momentum whenever there are conflicts between the chief minister and lieutenant governor, or even disagreements with officials or the center, including delays in file processing. This is because the elected government will be at the mercy of the union home ministry and the lieutenant governor, with approval being required for all major decisions.

Additionally, this race is similar in that Congress has pledged to accede to the demand if elected. Fuel to the flames has been added by Puducherry’s exclusion from the Central Finance Commission (CFC) and the appropriate distribution of money. Since a separate public account was formed at the Reserve Bank of India, the grants from the Indian government have been cut to just around 25%, and market borrowings are now the norm. Puducherry’s primary sources of income are excise and tourism.

Because the UPSC handles recruitment and because individuals from other states are increasingly applying for gazetted jobs, there has been an increasing need for the creation of a public service commission.

Due to a lack of industrial development—no major industry has established a unit—and numerous firms closing or moving to other states, unemployment is a serious problem in Utah. Young people with professional qualifications are relocating to other states in search of profitable work. The problems have been made worse by the shutdown of textile factories and a number of public sector initiatives.

Another problem is the drug problem. In addition to being hooked, students and young people are committing horrible crimes like the recent sexual assault and murder of a nine-year-old child. Key problems include non-operational ration stores and the absence of free grains and other necessities.

In 11 of the last 15 elections, the Congress has won the seat, and Vaithilingam and Namassivayam are predicted to compete mainly. Although Tamizhvendan could pose some difficulties, it is unlikely that he would reverse the situation.

In addition to his extensive political background, Vaithilingam has held the position of chief minister. In the last forty years, he has never lost an election. He ran in his first LS election in 2019 and won handily, garnering twice as many votes as his closest opponent, Dr. Narayanasamy Kesavan of the AINRC in the NDA. This time, he is up against the Puducherry home minister A Namassivayam, a formidable BJP opponent, and the anti-incumbency sentiment.

The BJP has never been successful in winning a Lok Sabha seat. The BJP, which shares power in the UT with the AINRC, is hopeful about its chances this time around. Since winning his first election in 2001, Namassivayam has never lost one. While Namassivayam won his first election under TMC(M), the following three as a Congress candidate, and the 2021 election as a BJP candidate, Vaithilingam won all of his elections running as a Congress candidate. In addition to his popularity, Namassivayam has considerable influence among the Vanniyar community, which is dominant. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is said to have promised Namassivayam a union minister position should he win.

Vaithilingam, on the other side, is depending on the alliances of the Indian bloc, which include the DMK, CPI, CPM, VCK, and AAP, among others. His campaign is centered on jobs, specifically on creating a Puducherry-specific public service commission. The party has also promised employment for laid-off workers, increased MNREGA pay, improved pensions for women, and apprenticeship programs for young people.

Puducherry’s election story will mostly center on opposing themes. The failure of the local administration to solve concerns like as drug trafficking, rowdiness, lack of economic growth, and the effort to privatize Puducherry’s electricity distribution, among other difficulties, has led the INDIA bloc to doubt its trustworthiness. However, the NDA is promoting a number of development plans and initiatives, promising more if elected to parliament, and criticizing Vaithilingam for his “non-performance.” In contrast, the AIADMK is raising concerns about the conduct of the BJP and Congress and is requesting approval for its nominee to take up Puducherry’s problems.