In Puducherry, R. Siva, a leader of the DMK, has repeatedly promised statehood, jobs for youth, the development of the Tidel Park, and improved basic amenities during his campaign in the Villianur Assembly constituency.
While his supporters highlight details like the MLA office remaining open from 7 am to 10 pm, Siva emphasizes his commitment to serving the people.
Siva, contesting for the second time in Villianur, believes his victory is assured due to public support.
Siva accuses the AINRC-BJP government of poor governance over the past five years.
He claims that the Lieutenant Governor, Chief Secretary, and the Union Home Ministry rule Puducherry, using it as a test case for Union government laws and regulations.
He also asserts that democracy has been compromised, with no distinction between appointed officials and elected representatives.
Regarding Delhi's influence, Siva states that Chief Minister N. Rangasamy himself has criticized interference from Delhi and officials.
He highlights that airport expansion has been delayed for 25 years, and that the IT park development has stalled due to limited aircraft landing facilities. He also points to the acquisition of the Karaikal port by Adani.
Puducherry is heavily in debt, with the government paying an interest of Rs 2,000 crore per month. He criticizes the privatization of electricity and the stalled investigation into counterfeit drug manufacturing.
Siva emphasizes that the demand for statehood for Puducherry will continue.
On the Congress-DMK alliance, Siva states that they complied with party directives, providing A-form and B-form authorizations for party nominees. He claims that Congress provided these forms for six additional constituencies.
Siva believes that the alliance should continue, and they are working diligently in constituencies allocated to the Congress, aiming for victory for both parties.
During the campaign, Siva has promised improved facilities for the people.
On April 6, Siva participated in a rally addressed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Puducherry. Gandhi had accused the BJP of wanting Puducherry to belong to industrialist Adani and of selling the strategic Karaikal port to him.
In Villianur, the contest is between DMK's Siva and AINRC's Ravikumar, with 10 other candidates also in the race.
Out of the 30 Assembly constituencies, AINRC is contesting in 16, BJP in 10, and AIADMK and LJK in two each.
Congress is contesting in 16 constituencies, DMK in 13, and VCK in one (Uzhavarkarai).
Veteran Congress leader V. Narayanasamy had previously told