Puducherry, April 7 Political parties and their candidates made a frantic, last-ditch effort to win over voters as the campaign for the Puducherry assembly elections came to a close on Tuesday.
Candidates spent the day crisscrossing the union territory to make their final appeals before the 6 pm deadline, with vehicles displaying party flags and loudspeakers blaring campaign songs through the streets of their constituencies.
Promises and assurances were made through the public address system by party members during the campaign. The demand for statehood was a common theme in the election propaganda of almost all parties.
A total of 294 candidates, including independents, are contesting the election. Puducherry and its surrounding areas of Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam have a combined total of 30 assembly seats. In addition to major political parties, newly formed parties are also participating.
The NDA, comprising AINRC, BJP, AIADMK, and LJK, faces a challenge from the INDIA bloc, which includes the Congress, DMK, and VCK.
While the NDA is focused on maintaining its "double engine" governance, the opposition bloc is aiming to regain power in the union territory, focusing on issues of local autonomy and administrative friction.
The newly formed TVK, led by actor Vijay, has emerged as a significant third force, fielding candidates across the union territory.
In addition to the two major alliances, candidates from the CPI, CPI (M), Naam Tamizhar Katchi, and a few other parties are also contesting.
For several parties, this election is a crucial battle for relevance and power. Among the prominent political figures in the race is AINRC leader and Chief Minister N Rangasamy, who is contesting from two constituencies to secure his position.
The election has attracted not only political leaders and party functionaries, but also retired officers.
For example, a former Deputy Inspector General of Police of Puducherry, V J Chandran, is contesting from the Raj Bhavan constituency on a TVK ticket.