PM Modi Holds Puducherry Roadshow As Triangular Contest Heats Up

As Puducherry heads to polls on April 9, the election battle has intensified with Prime Minister Narendra Modi holding a high-voltage roadshow in the Union Territory, joined by Chief Minister N Rangasamy. The show of strength comes amid signs of strain within the ruling alliance even as all sides gear up for a keen contest.

This election is shaping into a triangular fight, with actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) making its electoral debut, adding a new dimension to Puducherry's political landscape.

The BJP, which is part of Rangasamy's NR Congress-led coalition government, is looking to significantly expand its footprint. In the 2021 Assembly elections, the BJP contested 14 seats and won six, while the Congress secured two and the DMK six. Two BJP members currently serve in Rangasamy's Cabinet, underlining the party's growing influence in the former French colony.

However, tensions between the allies persist. The Centre has so far turned down Rangasamy's long-standing demand for full statehood for Puducherry. Differences have also surfaced over the inclusion of lottery baron Martin's son Charles' party LJK, with the BJP opposing his entry into the alliance, calling him an outsider with no roots in the Union Territory.

Despite this, BJP Puducherry president VP Ramalingam struck an optimistic note, telling NDTV the party aims to improve its tally significantly. "This time we will win at least nine seats," he said, adding that the Centre could still consider the statehood demand. He also dismissed claims that LJK is a proxy for the BJP, maintaining it is merely an ally.

On the other side, the Congress-DMK alliance is hoping to regain power. The Congress is contesting 16 seats while the DMK is fighting on 14. In a surprise move, the Congress has denied a ticket to former chief minister V Narayanasamy, signalling an internal churn.

The alliance is also grappling with rebellion, with at least six rebels contesting against official candidates. While the Congress claims to have persuaded them to step back from active campaigning, the developments could dent its prospects.

Puducherry Congress president and MP V Vaithilingam, however, exuded confidence, asserting that the INDIA bloc would return to power with two-thirds majority.

For the BJP, Puducherry is more than just another electoral contest - it is seen as a strategic gateway to neighbouring Tamil Nadu, where the party has been striving to expand its presence.