Puducherry, Mar 28:
A crisis within the Indian National Congress unit in Puducherry over candidates contesting in seats allotted to allies has been resolved, with the party suspending six rebel aspirants and recognising only its official nominees.
The row erupted after Congress members filed nominations in six constituencies allotted to alliance partners—five to the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and one to the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi—and refused to withdraw despite party directions.
With the deadline for withdrawal ending on Thursday, only one candidate withdrew, while the remaining continued in the fray, triggering tensions within the alliance. The DMK had warned of retaliatory action in Tamil Nadu, where Assembly elections are scheduled on April 23, raising concerns of a wider fallout.
In a bid to defuse the situation, Puducherry Pradesh Congress Committee chief V. Vaithilingam announced that the party would recognise only 16 candidates, in line with the seat-sharing agreement, and suspend the six rebels.
Under the pact, the Congress is contesting 16 of the 30 seats, while the DMK is contesting 14, with one of its seats allotted to the VCK.
The move has helped restore order within the alliance, averting a direct clash among partners and easing concerns over its electoral prospects in Puducherry.