Stalin Pushes for Puducherry’s Full Statehood, Targets Centre Ahead of April 9 Polls
DMK chief backs INDIA bloc candidates, promises administrative reforms and expanded powers for elected government
Puducherry, Apr 7: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M K Stalin intensified his pitch for Puducherry’s full statehood, alleging that the Centre has repeatedly ignored the union territory’s long standing demand despite multiple Assembly resolutions.
Addressing an election rally while introducing candidates of the Congress, DMK, and VCK for the April 9 polls, Stalin criticised the current administrative setup, claiming that real authority rests with the Lieutenant Governor, while the elected Chief Minister N Rangasamy has limited powers.
Calling the upcoming elections a turning point, he urged voters to bring political change and end what he described as ineffective governance. He also took a swipe at earlier promises made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that expectations of development have not been met on the ground.
Highlighting governance concerns, Stalin pointed to alleged irregularities such as the halting of an investigation into a counterfeit unit and the supply of substandard medicines. He questioned the effectiveness of the Centre’s “double-engine government” narrative and raised issues related to law and order, including the growing drug problem.
The DMK leader also expressed concerns about the functioning of the elected government, suggesting that Puducherry’s Chief Minister may face constraints similar to those seen in other states due to limited autonomy.
Reiterating his commitment, Stalin assured that the INDIA bloc would work towards securing full statehood, ensuring greater powers for the elected government while reducing the role of the Lieutenant Governor.
He further outlined a range of development initiatives, including improving urban governance, boosting youth employment, reopening textile units through industrial parks, and establishing digital libraries across Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam.
Under the alliance’s seat sharing arrangement, the Congress is contesting the majority of seats, followed by the DMK and VCK, as the bloc seeks to strengthen its position in the upcoming polls.
