Puducherry, Apr 4:
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay launched a scathing critique of both the DMK-Congress alliance and the BJP-NR Congress alliance during a public address in Puducherry on Friday, describing them as “confused” and “exhausted” respectively.
Speaking to a large gathering of supporters, Vijay highlighted the failure of national parties to deliver on a long-standing demand: granting full statehood to the Union Territory.
Vijay emphasised that TVK would make “100 per cent efforts” to secure full statehood for Puducherry, framing it as a cornerstone of the party’s campaign. He assured voters that TVK candidates “stand for the people and with the people,” underscoring the party’s focus on local governance and development.
In addition, he promised that, if voted to power, local body elections in Puducherry would be conducted within six months, ensuring prompt decentralised governance and strengthening grassroots democracy.
Vijay outlined several welfare initiatives aimed at supporting women, fishermen, and economically disadvantaged households:
Maternity financial assistance would be raised to ₹25,000, benefiting expecting mothers across the Union Territory.
Diesel subsidy for fishing activities of ₹25 per litre would be introduced, supporting the livelihoods of local fishermen.
Electricity for the poor: households living below the poverty line would receive free electricity for consumption up to 200 units per month, reducing the financial burden on economically weaker sections.
Critique of National and Regional Alliances
During his address, Vijay argued that both the Congress and the BJP, despite holding power at the Centre, had failed to address Puducherry’s aspirations.
He described the DMK-Congress alliance as “confused” in its governance priorities, while the BJP-NR Congress coalition, he claimed, was “exhausted” and incapable of delivering meaningful change.
Vijay positioned TVK as a decisive alternative, committed to addressing local needs and championing the cause of full statehood. He concluded his speech by urging citizens to vote strategically to ensure a government that would be fully aligned with Puducherry’s developmental and political aspirations.
This speech marks TVK’s intensified push in the 2026 Puducherry Assembly elections, with a clear focus on welfare promises, local governance reforms, and the long-standing demand for full statehood.