Puducherry, March 17 Political activities are intensifying in Puducherry as parties intensify discussions on seat-sharing and finalize candidates for the upcoming assembly elections.
With the elections scheduled for April 9, both the NDA and INDIA blocs are racing to resolve internal disagreements and consolidate their alliances.
The battle for the 30 assembly seats in Puducherry, spread across 23 constituencies in Puducherry, five in Karaikal, and one each in Mahe and Yanam, is taking shape.
The AINRC-BJP combine, which is currently in power, has already finalized the number of seats to contest.
Within the ruling NDA, AINRC is slated to contest in 16 seats, leaving 14 to the BJP, which also needs to accommodate the AIADMK.
Meanwhile, the INDIA bloc (Congress and DMK) is still deliberating on leadership and seat distribution.
A major hurdle for the NDA is CM Rangasamy's opposition to the inclusion of the newly formed Lakshiya Jananayaga Katchi (LJK) in the alliance.
Senior BJP leaders, including A Namassivayam and Speaker R Selvam, are in Delhi to brief the high command and finalize their candidate list.
CM Rangasamy has made full statehood a central pillar of his campaign.
Citing persistent friction between elected representatives and bureaucrats, he has sought an assurance from the Centre on statehood, arguing that it is the only way to ensure that delayed schemes are implemented and the government can function effectively.
The election process was initiated on Monday with the publication of statutory notifications.
However, no nominations were received on the first day.
The last date to file nominations is March 23, while scrutiny of papers is scheduled for March 24, and the last date for withdrawing nominations is March 26.
Around 9.44 lakh voters are expected to participate in the polls here.
The upcoming polls are largely a prestige battle for the NDA and INDIA blocs.
The entry of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam adds a new dimension to the contest.