On April 6, Rahul Gandhi, leader of the Indian National Congress, accused the AINRC-BJP government in Puducherry of "30 per cent commission" and a "liquor license regime," as well as the manufacture of counterfeit drugs. He stated that the issue of fake medicines was not just about corruption, but was a criminal act.
Addressing a rally in Puducherry on April 9, Gandhi said that if the Congress-led alliance formed the government, they would provide free bus travel for women in the territory, provide monthly support of Rs 2,000 to unemployed youth, create 30,000 new jobs in both the private and public sectors, relax the upper age limit for government jobs to 40 years, and provide health insurance of Rs 20 lakh for every family.
"I see many women in the crowd. I am proud to tell you that you will be able to travel for free on Puducherry's buses. We will relax the entry requirements for government jobs until the age of 40. Every family in Puducherry will have access to health insurance worth Rs 20 lakh. Whenever you get sick, whether you need surgery or treatment for heart disease or cancer, you will have Rs 20 lakh available to you," he said.
Gandhi claimed that the government in Puducherry was not truly representative of the people of Puducherry, but was imposed from Delhi.
He stated that there had been a long-standing question of full statehood, and although the BJP had promised it, it had not delivered. "We are fully committed to giving Puducherry full statehood."
The leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha claimed that the BJP "controls the state from a distance," sidelining regional leaders and preventing local body elections.
For the Congress party, the most important thing is that the people of Puducherry must have a voice in their government.
"We do not want Puducherry to be ruled by a Lieutenant Governor as if he is a king. We want the people of Puducherry to rule this beautiful state. That is why we are committed to statehood. And we will hold local body elections within six months of coming to power in Puducherry," he said.
He said that holding local elections would help nurture the next generation of leaders in Puducherry.
"Please support our candidates, the Congress candidates and the alliance candidates. Let us have a government in Puducherry that truly represents the voice of the people of Puducherry," he appealed.
Gandhi claimed that the vibrant industrial and textile sectors were in decline, and hundreds of factories had closed. He also alleged that the BJP wanted Puducherry to belong to industrialist Adani, and that the strategic Karaikal port had already been sold to him. "And he (Adani) has incorporated Adani Electricity Puducherry Limited, which means that your electricity will also be provided to him," Gandhi said.
He alleged that massive fake drug manufacturing was taking place in Puducherry, and that the UT government was not taking any action.
He further stated that the fake drugs manufacturing was not just about corruption, but was a "crime" as spurious drugs were being spread across the country.
He alleged: "Everyone knows that there is a 30 per cent commission on all contracts. The government has become a collection agent. Commissions are taken on Smart Cities, roads, drains, and schools. And what do the people of Puducherry get? They are forced to pay at every toll gate."
Gandhi also accused the Puducherry NDA government of running a "liquor license regime," where liquor licenses are sold for commission.
He said that liquor stores are opened near schools and places of worship, and that despite public complaints, nothing happens.
"They steal from the people, but they also steal from the gods in Puducherry. They have seized temple land and stolen from the gods. Law and order is declining. People are afraid to walk at night. Women and children are vulnerable. And the Lieutenant Governor himself has admitted rampant drug abuse among school students in the state. They know the problem exists and yet they do nothing about it," he alleged.
The Congress party in Puducherry had earlier alleged 30 per cent commission in the Public Works Department, a scam in the granting of liquor licenses, and the manufacture of counterfeit drugs involving supplies to eight states. Gandhi was reiterating these allegations.
The temple land grab case, dating back to 2023, witnessed the arrest of several people, including officials, and the Special Investigation Team arrested a senior official in Karaikal.
Gandhi appealed to the people of Puducherry, saying, "Whenever I come to Puducherry, you show me tremendous love and affection. Wherever I go, you, we have an emotional relationship. This is not a political relationship. It is a much deeper and older relationship. It is a relationship of love and mutual respect. And I am committed to ensuring that the voice of the people of Puducherry runs this beautiful state."