The poll scene in Puducherry was largely dominated by the two fronts – the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), comprising the AINRC, the BJP, the AIADMK, and now the LJK and the INDIA bloc, comprising the Congress, the DMK, and the VCK.
Four time chief minister N Rangasamy faces a litmus test as he bats for a second consecutive term for the AINRC-led government in the union territory. A lot hinges on his pro-people image. But the inclusion of players like lottery baron Santiago Martin’s son, Jose Charles Martin’s new party LJK could dent his image among the masses as it is in stark contrast to what he has projected himself to stand for.
On the other end, the Congress is leaving no stone unturned to reclaim what has traditionally been their bastion until Rangasamy splintered from the Grand Old Party to start the AINRC. The Congress says it is confident of its prospects owing to rampant anti-incumbency. However, the party too took ages to finalise its alliance with long standing partners, indicating the development of fissures between the Congress and DMK too.
There is also the entry of a new player – actor Vijay’s TVK that further fragments the vote for the traditional parties as he has been positioning himself as an independent third front to counter the established parties.
Statehood has been a key issue that all the parties have touched upon for the union territory. It has been one of the biggest criticisms that the opposition has levelled against the ruling government as well – their unfulfilled promise of statehood.
The spotlight has also been put on unemployment, corruption as well as substance abuse in Puducherry. The Union Territory has 9.50 lakh electors spread across the Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam. Of these, 24,919 are first-time voters.
The electorate size ranges from a minimum of 21,053 (Raj Bhavan constituency) to a maximum of 42,884 (Villianur constituency).
