N.R. Congress pitches ‘united MLAs’ plank for Karaikal development

The N.R. Congress, which leads the NDA alliance in the Union Territory, has made the need for a united set of legislators from all five Karaikal constituencies the core of its election campaign.

Electing MLAs from the ruling combine would help expedite development works in the region, the party argues. Speaking to The Hindu, Minister for the Civil Supplies And Consumer Affairs P.R.N. Thirumurugan said the government had brought forward several proposals for Karaikal over the past five years, many of which have already been sanctioned. “Work on these projects will commence soon,” he said.

Listing key initiatives, he cited the proposed green harbour project, a new road connecting Nandalar and Vanjur, distribution of NABARD-linked loans to individuals and self-help groups, development of a synthetic track at the district sports stadium, beach development works, housing schemes and other welfare measures.

Responding to criticism that several projects that were announced remain incomplete or have been stalled, Mr. Thirumurugan attributed the delays to a lack of coordination among elected representatives. “Karaikal has five MLAs, of whom only two are from the N.R. Congress, while the rest belong to Opposition parties. This has led to delays and disruptions in implementing infrastructure projects,” he said, adding that the government remained committed to delivering development.

He also cited delays in sanction of funds from the Union government, noting that Puducherry’s status as a Union Territory posed certain administrative constraints. Reiterating the party’s long-standing demand for Statehood, he said it would enable greater autonomy and faster execution of development works. “Our leader N. Rangasamy has consistently stood firm on the Statehood issue. With greater autonomy, we can ensure more effective governance,” he said, adding that Puducherry was currently not part of key policy platforms such as NITI Aayog.

On local issues, including infrastructure gaps at the Government General Hospital in Karaikal and delays in the Viluppuram–Nagapattinam highway project, the Minister said efforts were under way to address them. He maintained that Opposition MLAs had hindered improvements in healthcare infrastructure, despite initiatives taken by the government. The highway project, he said, was expected to be completed within four months. He also indicated that an announcement regarding a Tambaram–Velankanni train service was likely soon.

Addressing alliance-related concerns, including a BJP functionary contesting in the Nedungadu (SC) constituency despite it being allotted to the N.R. Congress, Mr. Thirumurugan said it would not impact the party’s prospects. “People prefer our alliance because of the development initiatives we have undertaken,” he said.

In the upcoming elections, the N.R. Congress is contesting in Karaikal North and Nedungadu (SC), while the remaining three constituencies in the district have been allotted to the BJP as part of the alliance arrangement.