Pondicherry: Pondicherry is expected to face the ballot box on April 6, in a single-phase election. Emphasizing the importance of Union territory in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) effort to increase its footprint in the south, Prime Minister Narendra Modi organized two rallies in Pondicherry and gave a slogan that the Alliance Democratic National (NDA) will work ‘BEST’ for the Union Territory.

If the voices of different parties are to be listened to carefully, it appears that employment / job creation, electricity tariffs, governance, corruption and the long-standing demand for a full state could be the key issues that could make or break the fate of political parties in Pondicherry.

Corruption

The BJP launched a scathing attack on the now defunct Narayanasamy government for failing to keep electoral promises made in previous elections. The Prime Minister criticized the “Delhi high command” of Congress while questioning the development led by the Narayanasamy government in the UT.

“So many years of loyalty. Lifting the slippers of his leader. Doing bad translations to impress his leader. Yet no ticket. It clearly shows how a disaster his government has turned out to be,” said the Prime Minister while slamming it now. – former government of Congress.

BJP fights for development policy
Given that the state is headless, following Narayanasamy’s resignation, governance could be another crucial issue that Pondicherry would vote on.

One of the key issues that vehemently arose during Kiran Bedi’s tenure as LG was the clashes between his office and the elected government. Cutting off the powers of the LG office has been a regular feature of election manifestos in UT. Whether this is resuscitated with a new promise will also be crucial.

“NDA will work to make Best Puducherry. By Best I mean Business Hub. Education Hub. Spiritual Hub. Tourism Hub,” Prime Minister Modi said at a rally on March 30, highlighting BJP’s agenda for the south of UT.

Full state

In 2016 Assembly polls, the Congress Party promised Pondicherry a full state, a promise that has yet to be kept. Last week, DMK leader Stalin targeted Prime Minister Modi and wondered why he had made no reference to a full-fledged state for Pondicherry.

“The Prime Minister made no announcement on the granting of statehood to Pondicherry or on a waiver of loans totaling Rs 8,600 crore due from Union territory to the Center,” Stalin said.

While the BJP highlighted central welfare programs to entice voters in addition to other promises, parties pledged freebies such as rations, a monthly grant of Rs.1000 to housewives, waivers loan to name a few. It remains to be seen if the shower of goodies helps galvanize the votes.

Pondicherry surveys: in brief
382 candidates are vying for the elections of the 30-seat Assembly of the territory of the Union. Former chief minister N Rangasamy, former ministers Shajahan, Kamalakannan, Namasivayam, Kandasamy are among the main faces that will be watched in the polls. Ex-CM Narayanasamy has already made it clear that he will focus on the campaign and not stand for election.

The All India NR Congress, which presents itself in alliance with the BJP, will fight for 16 of the 30 seats, leaving nine for the BJP and five for the AIADMK.

Pondicherry goes to the polls on April 6, the third phase of the elections. The counting of votes in the four states and the territory of the Union will take place on May 2.