Voting for the Puducherry Assembly elections commenced on Thursday with both the BJP and Congress expressing optimism about forming the next government in the Union Territory. Polling began smoothly across Puducherry early in the morning, with voters turning up steadily at polling stations to cast their ballots for the 30-member Assembly. Currently, Puducherry is governed by an alliance between the All India N.R. Congress and the BJP.
At the start of the electoral process, BJP state President V.P. Ramalingame expressed confidence in the NDA’s prospects. He mentioned that citizens were actively participating in the voting process and expressed certainty about the NDA forming the government. Ramalingame is contesting from the Raj Bhavan (General) Assembly constituency, facing competition from Congress candidate R Kumaran and DMK nominee Vignesh Kannan.
On the other hand, the Congress also displayed confidence in its chances, claiming that the electorate seeks a change in governance. Former Puducherry Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy, after voting, emphasized the importance of citizens exercising their democratic right. He criticized the current government, alleging misrule, corruption, rising unemployment, and crimes against women. Narayanasamy stated that the people of Puducherry desire a clean government focused on welfare, employment, healthcare, and education.
Polling, which started at 7 a.m. across 1,099 polling stations, will continue until 6 p.m. Officials have assured that all necessary arrangements are in place for a peaceful voting process. The election, with all major political players participating, is anticipated to be a closely contested affair as parties vie for control of the Union Territory.
