'Puducherry being used as testing ground': Udhayanidhi Stalin targets BJP ahead of polls

Puducherry: Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Tuesday alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is attempting to establish full control over Puducherry, drawing parallels with what he described as its efforts to gain influence in Tamil Nadu through the Edappadi K Palaniswami-led AIADMK.

Speaking while campaigning for candidates of the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, Udhayanidhi asserted that the people of Puducherry have traditionally rejected divisive politics and would continue to do so.

Addressing a gathering in Mudaliarpet, the DMK youth wing secretary said Puducherry, which he described as a “land of love”, is witnessing a growing presence of BJP forces.

“Today, in such a Union Territory, the infiltration of fascist BJP forces has increased significantly. It has become a testing ground for the party’s anti-people policies,” he said.

He further alleged that the BJP is relying on the All India N R Congress (AINRC) in Puducherry, just as it depends on the AIADMK under Palaniswami in Tamil Nadu.

Criticism of policies and education reforms

Udhayanidhi criticised the BJP’s policies, including the National Education Policy, claiming it promotes a caste-based education system, often referred to as kula kalvi thittam.

“They are introducing schemes that could harm future generations in Puducherry. However, Chief Minister M K Stalin successfully prevented such policies from entering Tamil Nadu,” he said.

Appeal ahead of April 9 election

Urging voters to take a stand in the upcoming April 9 election, he called on the people of Puducherry to uphold self-respect and reject what he termed divisive governance.

“We must show that Puducherry stands for dignity and self-respect,” he said.

He also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “double-engine government” concept, arguing that it has delivered little in terms of development.

“In contrast, the single-engine Dravidian model government has ensured strong growth. Tamil Nadu has achieved double-digit economic growth of 11.19 percent,” he said.

Udhayanidhi accused the Union government of lacking commitment towards the welfare of Puducherry’s residents, pointing to the long-standing demand for statehood.

Despite the Assembly passing resolutions 16 times seeking statehood, he said the Centre has not acted on it.

“Has the demand for statehood been fulfilled? The Prime Minister does not seem willing. They want Puducherry under their control, similar to their approach in Tamil Nadu,” he alleged.

The DMK leader also raised concerns over what he described as excessive interference by the Puducherry Governor in administrative matters.

He claimed that in non-BJP-ruled regions, elected governments are not given due importance, with more authority being vested in Governors.

“All powers have been handed over to the Governor here. If statehood is granted, the Governor’s role would be limited. At present, the Union Territory is being run remotely from Delhi,” he said.

He added that such a situation could change only if the electorate supports the DMK-Congress alliance.

Criticism of governance structure

Udhayanidhi further remarked that the BJP believes it can govern Puducherry through the Governor’s office.

“Typically, opposition members walk out of the Assembly, but in Tamil Nadu, the Governor walked out. In Puducherry, there is interference in every matter, and the elected government is not given importance. Decisions are effectively taken by the Governor appointed by the Union government,” he said.

He reiterated that the BJP aims to control Puducherry from Delhi and urged voters to back the DMK, Congress and VCK alliance to change the situation.

Reservation and corruption allegations

He also claimed that the Union government had rejected a proposal to reserve 25 percent of seats for Puducherry students in Puducherry University.

Additionally, Udhayanidhi levelled allegations of corruption against the NDA government in the Union Territory. He cited alleged irregularities in public works department contracts, laptop distribution schemes for students, and smart city projects, among other sectors.

Call to defeat NDA alliance

Concluding his address, Udhayanidhi called on voters to ensure a decisive victory for the DMK-led alliance in all 30 constituencies.

“Just as we are determined to defeat the NDA alliance in Tamil Nadu in the upcoming elections, it is now time for the people of Puducherry to do the same. This election should bring an end to the dominance of the BJP,” he said.

Agency inputs