Political poker: On the Puducherry Assembly election, the political players
Puducherry and political confusion go together. This has been reinforced in the manner in which the major political players have gone through the seat sharing process. Though Puducherry’s first NDA government, led by the AINRC and the BJP, has been able to complete its five-year term, the allies have struggled to reach an electoral understanding. An agreement was reached only on March 20, three days before nominations closed, with the AINRC and BJP allotted 16 and 10 seats, respectively, and junior allies the AIADMK and the fledgling LJK given two seats each. The AIADMK, which formed the government in 1974 and 1977, and enjoyed a vote share between 12.6% (2001) and nearly 17% (2016), faces the election as an untested force. Its woes stem from its leadership, which neglected party-building after Jayalalithaa’s death. On the contrary, the BJP, once losing deposits in most of the seats it contested till 2016, rose in 2021 by allying with the AINRC, though its much-hyped “double-engine” governance model has disappointed. A 2024 study by the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the IIPA highlighted Puducherry’s “... most unsatisfactory” performance as there has been no panchayat election since 2006. A C&AG report on Puducherry’s finances for 2023-24, also makes a few pertinent observations. Yet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who visited the Union Territory on March 1 to inaugurate projects worth around ₹2,700 crore, lauded the government on governance.
The Congress-DMK alliance fares no better, with differences persisting even on the final nomination day. Adding to the confusion, Puducherry MP and former Chief Minister V. Vaithilingam, also chief of the Pradesh Congress Committee, filed his nomination. Reports suggest that the Congress may contest 16 seats, leaving 12 to the DMK, and one each for the CPI and VCK. Protesting the treatment meted out to it, the VCK will contest independently in three constituencies. The CPI(M) has fielded its candidates in four seats, apart from supporting an independent in Mahe, an enclave in Kerala. Congress supporters of former Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy — he did not contest the 2021 election — are upset that he has been denied a ticket. Adding to the chaotic situation, the TVK first released a full list of 30 candidates on Sunday, the penultimate day of filing of nominations, but later announced the allotment of two seats to the fledgling NMK. At least four of the TVK’s nominees are from other parties. All these political players must also account for the Union government’s power to nominate three legislators to the Assembly. On April 9, nearly 9.5 lakh voters should choose a government that meaningfully improves governance and goes beyond demanding Statehood.
- 1The failure to hold panchayat elections in Puducherry since 2006, despite constitutional mandates under Part IX, highlights a critical governance deficit. This undermines grassroots democracy and local development, as noted by the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj and IIPA study, reflecting a broader challenge in implementing decentralization effectively.
- 2Puducherry's unique governance structure includes the Union government's power to nominate three legislators to the Assembly, a provision under the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963, derived from Article 239A of the Constitution. This power can significantly influence legislative dynamics and the balance of power, raising questions about democratic representation in Union Territories with legislatures.
- 3The C&AG report on Puducherry's finances for 2023-24 indicates potential fiscal irregularities or mismanagement, which directly impacts the Union Territory's ability to fund public services and development projects. This financial oversight is crucial for ensuring accountability and sustainable growth, especially when "double-engine" governance models are touted for economic benefits.
- 4The intense seat-sharing negotiations and last-minute alliances in Puducherry, involving parties like AINRC, BJP, Congress, and DMK, exemplify the complex dynamics of coalition politics in India. Such political fragmentation and internal dissent, even within established alliances, often reflect struggles for power and influence, potentially impacting governmental stability and policy coherence.