Elections – NDA Expresses Confidence of Returning to Power in Puducherry
Elections – The Bharatiya Janata Party’s Mahila Morcha national president, Vanathi Srinivasan, on Thursday voiced strong confidence that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will secure another term in Puducherry in the upcoming Assembly elections.
NDA Seeks Mandate Based on Development Work
Addressing voters, Srinivasan urged residents to once again support the NDA, highlighting the coalition’s development efforts over the past five years. She emphasized that the alliance’s governance record, along with continued support from the central government, forms the basis of its appeal to the electorate.
According to her, the Union government has consistently extended assistance to smaller regions like Puducherry, ensuring that key local issues are addressed and development projects are implemented effectively. She noted that these efforts have contributed to visible progress in the Union Territory, strengthening the NDA’s position ahead of the polls.
Criticism of Opposition Alliance Dynamics
Srinivasan also took aim at the opposition bloc, pointing to what she described as inconsistencies within the alliance. Referring to political dynamics in neighboring Tamil Nadu, she said that while parties cooperate there, they are contesting against each other in Puducherry across several constituencies.
She suggested that such internal divisions could weaken the opposition’s prospects and contrast sharply with the NDA’s unified campaign approach.
Door-to-Door Campaigning in Kamaraj Nagar
Earlier, the BJP leader launched an intensive outreach campaign in the Kamaraj Nagar constituency, where she personally interacted with voters. Going door-to-door, she sought support for Lakshya Democratic Party candidate Jose Charles Martin, encouraging residents to back him in the election.
During her campaign, Srinivasan specifically highlighted the candidate’s election symbol and urged voters to remember it while casting their ballots. The campaign witnessed participation from BJP leaders, alliance partners, and grassroots workers, creating visible momentum in the constituency.
Local party workers indicated that her presence and direct engagement with the public have contributed to increased enthusiasm among supporters, particularly in Kamaraj Nagar.
Seat-Sharing Agreement Finalised
In a key pre-election development, parties within the NDA recently concluded a seat-sharing arrangement for the Puducherry Assembly polls. Under the agreement, the All India N R Congress (AINRC) will contest 16 seats, while the BJP will field candidates in 10 constituencies.
Additionally, alliance partners AIADMK and Latchiya Jananayaga Katchi (LJK) have been allocated two seats each, reflecting a coordinated strategy among coalition members.
Poll Schedule and Electoral Stakes
Puducherry is scheduled to vote in a single phase on April 9, with the counting of votes set for May 4. The election is expected to be closely watched, given the strategic importance of the Union Territory and the ongoing political contest between the NDA and opposition parties.
With campaigning gaining momentum, both alliances are intensifying their outreach efforts, aiming to secure voter confidence ahead of polling day. The NDA, in particular, is focusing on its governance record and central support as key pillars of its campaign narrative.
As the election date approaches, political activity across constituencies is expected to increase further, with leaders from all sides stepping up engagement with voters.