The Puducherry union territory assembly poll verdicts were in the expected lines. It reproving the pre-pol and exit poll opinions, the congress was decimated and the people have a thumping majority NDA alliance which won 14 seats.
During roadshows and poll rallies, BJP National President J P Nadda, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Modi were telling voters Lotus will bloom in the union territory. The internecine feud among congress cadres, pulling their rugs under their feet, inefficient back door entry CM Narayaswamy, his making lies of in front of public and alleged irregularities of the central funds. He had time only to fight and sit in dharnas in Rajbhavan, moving courts against the lieutenant governor Kiron Bedi. BJP faced the poll with a development agenda. This is the first time in the Puducherry poll history,
BJP emerged a serious contender with six seats in kitty while its ally, former CM N Rangawamy led AII India NR Congress bagged 10 seats. Another NDA partner AIAMK drew a blank. Six independents emerged winners leaving two seats Congress and 3 seats to DMK. Of the 30 seats including nominated 3 BJP nominated members, the NDA is poised to stake claim for the next government.
Rangaswamy, a simple down to earth CM who never lost an election barring his maiden contest way back in1990, had to swallow a bitter pill as he had lost Yanam constituency to a political novice a 28-year-old independent candidate Gollappali Srinivas Ashok by less than 1,000 votes. After the poll debacle in 2016, which he fought alone and also the 2019 lok sabha elections. His wait and watch approach, despite initial hiccups in firming alliance with NDA.
Now with the clear mandate, he will realize his responsibility and play his cards well. The AICC said it has lost the elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry but has not lost its morale or resolve to be people’s voice in these tough times. Prime Minister Modi, union Home minister among others thanked the people of Puducherry. Modi tweeted” I thank the people of Pudcherry for blessing NDA. We are humbled to serve the people and fulfill their dreams. Our Karyakaratas made outstanding efforts to work among the people and elaborate on our agenda of good governance’.
Amith Shah also gave congratulatory messages tweeting. ´grateful to the people of puducherry for choosing NDA to serve this beautiful state. The victory reflects people’s trust in PM Modi led NDA’s politics of development. Puducherry will now witness a corruption free and development oriented government.”
