Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed confidence on Saturday that the Congress party will win the upcoming assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
Speaking to the media, he said, “Our position in the elections is very good.”
Kharge criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating, “The Prime Minister is dreaming. We are not dreaming. The people are with us, not with PM Modi.” He added, “The Congress and DMK alliance will win in Pondicherry and form an alliance government…..DMK and Congress always win in Tamil Nadu. Our record has been very good.”
Earlier in Puducherry, Kharge addressed a public meeting ahead of the polls. He accused the ruling All India N R Congress (AINRC) led coalition and its ally BJP of looting the Union Territory. He called for granting full status to Puducherry, saying, “Puducherry should be granted full status because the lieutenant governor interferes in the government process. Puducherry is suffering 30% Commission, NR and BJP both are looting the Puducherry. Corruption is everywhere, Modi promised zero percent corruption but everything is being looted and given to one person Adani.”
Kharge also raised concerns about the alleged opening of 450 liquor shops in Puducherry and a rise in drug abuse cases. “Coming to Puducherry I was surprised to know that the NR BJP government opened 450 liquor shops and restaurants. Instead of giving fresh water to the people they’re giving liquor. Cases of drug mafia and drug abuse in Puducherry are increasing,” he stated.
In response, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that opposition parties lack a clear vision for Puducherry’s development and prioritise political control. Sharing a post on X, he alleged that rival parties intend to use Puducherry as an ATM. “While the NDA is working towards BEST Puducherry, the Opposition has no vision for Puducherry’s progress. They want to use Puducherry as an ATM and ensure it is ruled by the High Command in Delhi instead of listening to the will of the people,” he wrote.
Modi referred to a recent interaction with BJP workers in Puducherry, quoting one who said, “the Opposition’s agenda is to create a WEAK Puducherry.” He also praised the NDA government’s performance in the Union Territory under Chief Minister N Rangasamy, highlighting progress across sectors.
Polling in Puducherry is scheduled for April 9, with vote counting on May 4. The current term of the 30-member Legislative Assembly expires on June 15.
In the 2021 Puducherry Assembly elections, AINRC won 10 seats, DMK six, while BJP and Congress secured six seats each. Voter turnout was 84.8 per cent. In the 2016 elections, Congress won a majority with 15 seats, AINRC eight, AIADMK four, and DMK two, with turnout at 83.6 per cent.