Rahul Gandhi Assails Puducherry Government as 'Imposed from Delhi' During Campaign Rally
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the Puducherry government, labeling it as an administration "imposed from Delhi" that fails to reflect the will of the people. Campaigning for INDIA bloc candidates ahead of the 2026 assembly polls in Puducherry on Monday, Gandhi accused the ruling AINRC-BJP coalition of being a puppet regime controlled remotely by the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Accusations of Remote Control Governance and Economic Decline
Gandhi asserted that the BJP governs the Union territory through remote control, with the lieutenant governor overriding democratic processes. "Regional leaders are sidelined, and local body elections have not been conducted," he stated. He highlighted severe economic issues, noting that the industrial and textile sectors are in terminal decline, with hundreds of factories shutting down.
He further alleged that the BJP aims to hand over Puducherry to businessman Gautam Adani, pointing out that the strategic Karaikal port has already been sold to the Adani Group. "Adani has now incorporated Puducherry Electricity Limited, indicating the electricity sector will be next," Gandhi warned.
Corruption and Law and Order Crisis
The Congress leader decried rampant corruption, claiming there is a 30% commission on all contracts, including projects related to smart cities, roads, drains, and schools. "The government has become a collection agent," he said, also criticizing a liquor license raj where licenses are sold for commissions and stores are placed near schools and places of worship.
Gandhi raised alarm over public safety, stating that law and order is deteriorating, with people afraid to walk at night and women and children particularly vulnerable. He accused the government of inaction against fake drug manufacturing units in Puducherry, which produce spurious drugs sold nationwide. "This is not just corruption but corruption with murder included," he emphasized.
Welfare Promises and Statehood Commitment
In contrast, Gandhi announced a series of welfare measures if Congress comes to power:
- Monthly support of Rs 2,000 for unemployed youth
- Creation of 30,000 new jobs in public and private sectors
- Free bus travel for women in Puducherry
- Relaxed entry age for government jobs up to 40 years
- Health care insurance of Rs 20 lakh per year for every family
He reiterated Congress's commitment to granting statehood for Puducherry, promising to hold local body elections within six months of forming a government to empower local leadership. "We want Puducherry people to rule the state, not be ruled by a lieutenant governor like a king," Gandhi declared, urging support for Congress and alliance candidates to establish a government that truly represents the people's voice.
