Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge Unveils Ambitious Puducherry Pledges
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge made significant promises for Puducherry during a public meeting organized by the Puducherry Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) on Saturday. He declared that if the INDIA bloc forms the government, it will provide free groceries worth ₹2,500 every month to residents and secure full statehood for the Union territory.
Key Promises for Development and Welfare
Kharge emphasized that granting statehood would end the interference of the lieutenant governor in the elected government, addressing a long-standing demand. He stated this would occur once Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, becomes the prime minister.
In addition to statehood, the Congress party outlined several welfare initiatives:
- Free and complete education from primary school to research levels.
- A monthly scholarship of ₹2,000 for students in both government and private colleges.
- A subsidy for gold used in thali (mangalsutra) to support families amid rising gold costs.
Criticism of NDA Governance
Kharge launched a sharp critique of the NDA regime, labeling it a "30% commission government." He alleged that corruption has stalled meaningful development in Puducherry, accusing the NDA of looting temple land and public assets worth crores of rupees.
He further claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s "zero tolerance" for corruption is a facade, pointing to major infrastructure like ports and airports being handed over to private players.
Concerns Over Priorities and Infrastructure
Kharge slammed the government for opening more than 450 restaurants and bars in five years while failing to provide clean drinking water. He questioned whether the NDA intends to turn Puducherry into a liquor-driven economy, citing plans for six new liquor factories despite an ongoing drinking water crisis.
He also blamed the double-engine government for the rampant drug menace and the collapse of law and order in the region.
Defense of Congress Legacy
Kharge reminded the public that key infrastructure in Puducherry, including major hospitals like Jipmer and Indira Gandhi Government Medical College, was established under Congress regimes. He accused the BJP of merely "pasting stickers" on existing Congress schemes and claiming them as new initiatives.
"This election is a fight between neglect and responsibility, between a puppet government and a strong Congress administration," Kharge concluded, urging voters to oust what he called the "corrupt" regime.
The promises and criticisms come ahead of the pivotal 2026 elections, which are set to impact democratic processes across various regions in India and globally.
