Election campaigning and preparations have gained momentum in Puducherry, with the final list of candidates confirmed yesterday. According to the Election Department, after the withdrawal of 71 nominations and the removal of multiple applications yesterday, a total of 294 candidates are contesting in the 30 constituencies of the Union Territory. Political campaigning has also accelerated across the Union Territory.
With prominent campaigners on the ground and intensive door-to-door outreach in full swing, political parties are intensifying the election campaign in Puducherry. BJP Mahila Morcha National President, Vanathi Srinivasan, MLA of Coimbatore South, carried out an election campaign in the Union Territory yesterday. She criticised the opposition I.N.D.I.A. bloc, stating that it lacks unity and coordination, and urged voters to reject it. MP and Pradesh Congress Committee President, V. Vaithilingam, launched his election campaign in the Pudupet area of the Thattanchavady constituency. Today, he will campaign in Jeeva Colony, Kottupalayam, St. Paulpet and surrounding areas. Meanwhile, election preparedness has been intensified at the administrative level.
The Deputy Election Commissioner (DEC) of the Election Commission of India, Banu Prakash Yeturu, visited the Integrated Control and Command Centre in Puducherry yesterday to review the functioning of various election monitoring systems. In Karaikal, the second phase of randomisation of polling personnel was conducted under the leadership of District Election Officer and Collector Ishita Rathi. The process was carried out using computerised methods in a transparent manner, in the presence of General Observers. As the election date approaches, both the administrative machinery and political parties have intensified their efforts, setting the stage for a closely watched contest in the Union Territory.