Vijay Launches Scathing Attack on BJP and Congress Over Puducherry Statehood Issue
In a fiery election rally in the poll-bound Union territory of Puducherry, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor-politician Vijay launched a sharp critique against both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress. He accused the national parties of failing to grant full statehood to Puducherry despite holding power at the Centre for decades.
"Neither the Congress nor the BJP could give statehood to Puducherry despite their long reigns at the Centre. A TVK government will make a 100% effort to secure full statehood legally, ensuring it is free from interference by the lieutenant governor," Vijay declared to supporters.
Historical Context and Political Demands
Puducherry, a former French colony, officially merged with India in 1962 and was granted Union territory status the following year. The region is currently administered by a lieutenant governor appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Central government, while the elected regional government operates with limited powers. This administrative structure has fueled a persistent and long-standing demand for full statehood among local residents and political groups.
Critique of Regional Alliances and Election Symbol Appeal
Vijay, popularly known as "Thalapathy" (leader), did not spare the major political alliances in Puducherry either. "The ruling All India NR Congress (AINRC)-BJP combine is an exhausted alliance. Just like in Tamil Nadu, the opposition DMK-Congress alliance in Puducherry is a confused one," he asserted, drawing parallels with neighboring state politics.
He also urged voters to support TVK's "whistle" symbol to usher in what he termed a "one-finger revolution," an apparent reference to a popular dialogue from one of his blockbuster films, aiming to mobilize his cinematic fan base for political support.
TVK's Welfare Promises and Candidate Introductions
During the rally, Vijay introduced TVK's candidates, describing them as leaders who "stand with the people," and outlined a comprehensive series of welfare promises designed to appeal to the electorate. The key pledges include:
- Conducting local body elections within six months of assuming power to strengthen grassroots democracy.
- Providing Rs 25 lakh medical insurance coverage to every family to enhance healthcare accessibility.
- Offering 200 units of free electricity to households below the poverty line to alleviate economic burdens.
- Establishing the Puducherry University of Applied Sciences and Arts to boost educational and vocational opportunities in the region.
Election Details and Broader Context
The Puducherry legislative assembly comprises 33 members, with 30 elected seats and three nominated by the Union government. Voting for the 30 contested seats is scheduled for April 9, where over 9.4 lakh voters will decide the fate of 294 candidates across the Union territory.
Counting of votes is set for May 4, coinciding with the announcement of assembly election results in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, as these states are voting around the same period as Puducherry, marking a significant phase in India's electoral calendar.
