Puducherry pollscape gets murkier as deadline for nomination withdrawal ends

Puducherry’s electoral landscape for the April 9 Assembly elections got murkier, rather than linear, with the expiry of the deadline for withdrawal of nominations on Thursday, producing a bewildering scenario of “friendly fights” in the INDIA bloc across key constituencies; pro-NDA Independents switching camps; and rebel candidate menace in a few seats.

According to the Election Department, 294 contestants, majority Independents, remained in the fray. Originally 514 nominations were received.

In the NDA, the AINRC is contesting 16 seats leaving 14 to the BJP. The latter has allotted two seats each to the AIADMK and LJK.

As part of the understanding in the INDIA bloc, the Congress’s share was 16 with 14 left for the DMK, which earmarked one seat to the VCK.

However, the Congress has ended up pitting itself against the DMK, in Karaikal South, Kalapet, Raj Bhavan, Mangalam and Thirubhuvanai (SC). It was yet to release it official list of candidates and its nominees were in the fray even in seats of the Left parties and VCK.

Congress leaders have openly backed the concept of what it calls “friendly fights”. In fact, recently, AICC spokesperson Dolly Sharma hinted at allies having a ‘friendly fight’ in around 6 seats.

An upset VCK has fielded candidates in three seats, including the allocated one.

VCK founder Thol. Thirumavalavan, on Thursday announced candidates for Ozhukarai, Oussudu (SC) and Nettapakkam (SC). He said the functionaries were annoyed over the Congress’ refusal to withdraw its candidate from the allocated Ozhukarai seat.

Mr. Thirumavalavan also flayed the Congress for fielding a candidate (M. Sivasankar) who, according to him, was until recently affiliated with the BJP-RSS. “The Congress’s approach is not only affecting the VCK but was also putting the overall chances of victory for the entire alliance in question.” he posted on X.

Meanwhile, the CPI (M) announced it was contested in two seats and support an Independent in Mahe. The CPI has fielded one candidate and extended support to to CPI (M), VCK and SUCI.

Reports also indicate the electoral battle for the five Assembly seats in Karaikal is witnessing a clutch of rebel candidates from both fronts.

The problems for the NDA appear far less concerning though pro-NDA Independent legislators are now on the other side of the electoral battle – G. Nehru whose newly-formed Neyam Makkal Kazhagam (NMK) has allied with the TVK for the Orleanpet and Thattanchavady, and P. Angalane joining the DMK to contest from Thirubhuvanai.