Mansukh Mandaviya Unveils BJP Manifesto For Puducherry Polls Scheduled on April 9

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday released its manifesto for the upcoming Assembly elections in the Union Territory, outlining its development agenda and seeking to retain power under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The manifesto was launched by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who is also the party’s election in-charge for Puducherry, along with state BJP president VP Ramalingam.

Addressing reporters at the launch, Mandaviya expressed confidence that the NDA would return to power in the Union Territory. He highlighted the government’s focus on development and welfare, particularly for economically weaker sections, and reiterated the party’s commitment to forming a “double-engine government” to accelerate growth and governance in Puducherry.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised opposition parties, alleging that they lack a clear vision for the Union Territory’s development. In a social media post, Modi accused rival parties of attempting to use Puducherry as an “ATM” and prioritising political control over public welfare, asserting that the NDA was working toward what he described as “BEST Puducherry".

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The Prime Minister also referenced a recent interaction with BJP booth workers, citing a party worker’s characterisation of the opposition’s agenda as creating a “WEAK Puducherry". He elaborated on the acronym, stating it stood for “Worst Governance, End of Development, Against People, Kill Economy", using it to reinforce his criticism of rival political formations.

Modi further praised the performance of the NDA government in the Union Territory under Chief Minister N Rangasamy, pointing to progress made across various sectors during its tenure. The BJP is banking on this record as it prepares for the electoral contest, aiming to consolidate its position in the region.

Voting for the Puducherry Assembly elections is scheduled for April 9, with counting set to take place on May 4, according to the Election Commission of India. The current 30-member Assembly’s term is due to end on June 15. In the 2021 elections, the All India N.R. Congress (AINRC) emerged as the largest party, while the BJP and Congress secured six seats each, reflecting a competitive political landscape ahead of the upcoming polls.

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