Puducherry, Mar 15 (PTI) The ruling AINRC-BJP coalition government would bank on Chief Minister N Rangasamy and welfare measures to secure a successive win in this Union Territory, where elections to 30 Assembly seats will be held on April 9.
On the other hand, the Congress-led Opposition is fancying its chances, encouraged by the 2024 Lok Sabha win.
AINRC-BJP coalition STRENGTHS: 1. CM Rangasamy implementing a slew of welfare measures, his clean image and the government’s popularity.
WEAKNESSES: 1. Allegations including corruption, failure to maintain law and order, prevalence of crimes, and “blessings” of political bigwigs for a fake drug manufacturing unit.
2.AIADMK, which had formed the government (although short-lived) in 1974 and 1977 is now in a predicament of being a junior partner and waiting for the decision on allocation of seats to it by the NDA in which it is a constituent here.
OPPORTUNITIES: 1.With the BJP heading the NDA at the Centre and being a partner in the coalition ministry here, it would be a positive factor as the UT depends on Centre for all its welfare and development oriented programmes.
THREATS/CHALLENGES: 1.Not getting statehood yet, and the removal of lone woman Minister Chandira Priyanga from the Cabinet and lack of full-fledged powers for the elected government. Continued dependence on the Centre are among the issues the AINRC-BJP alliance would have to tackle.
2.NTK, besides the fledgling LJK and actor Vijay-led TVK may pose a surprise challenge in some constituencies.
Congress-DMK bloc STRENGTHS: 1.Congress has a widespread organisational presence and the DMK has now significantly improved its grassroots network in Puducherry. DMK’s well-oiled campaign machinery adds to the bloc’s strength.
WEAKNESSES: 1.Congress and DMK have not clearly decided who will head the alliance or who the Chief Ministerial candidate will be. No firm decision has been taken so far regarding seat sharing.
OPPORTUNITIES: 1.Anti-incumbency, fueled to some extent by the failure to implement the ‘Best Puducherry’ vision, is gaining traction.
THREATS/CHALLENGES 1.Cngress’ dependence on a few leaders like V Narayanasamy and V Vaithilingam.
2.Infighting within DMK is a challenge.
3.Seat-sharing remains inconclusive.
2. NTK, LJK and TVK may be pose surprise challenge in some constituencies.
Key contestants and star constituencies: AINRC leader and CM Rangasamy (Thattanchavadi), is an important contestant. He will likely seek election from two segments that are yet to be identified. Home Minister A Namassivayam (Mannadipet) of the BJP will have to work hard, as the general opinion is that he cannot take his constituency for granted if he seeks re-election.
PCC leader Vaithilingam MP is likely to seek election from Kamaraj Nagar.
DMK’s R Siva (Villiyanoor), PWD Minister K Lakshminarayanan (Raj Bhavan) are among the key candidates. R Selvam (BJP) from Manaveli is another contestant to watch out for. PTI CORR VGN SA
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.