Puducherry Alliance Talks in Disarray as CM Rangasamy Avoids BJP Negotiations
In a significant political development, Puducherry Chief Minister and All India NR Congress (AINRC) founder N Rangasamy skipped crucial seat-sharing discussions with Union Minister Mansukh L Mandaviya for the second consecutive day on Thursday. This move underscores the deepening rift within the alliance, primarily due to the BJP's reluctance to exclude the Latchiya Jananayaga Katchi (LJK), a party founded by Jose Charles Martin, son of lottery baron Santiago Martin.
Rangasamy's Demands and Evasive Maneuvers
Rangasamy has firmly insisted on a concrete assurance regarding his long-standing demand for statehood for Puducherry, a condition that remains unresolved. His avoidance of talks became evident when, on Wednesday, he departed for the ashram of the late self-proclaimed godman Appa Paithiyasami in Salem while Mandaviya awaited him at a hotel. Although he returned the same night, upon learning that Mandaviya was still present, Rangasamy delegated a team led by Public Works Minister K Lakshminarayanan to negotiate and promptly left on a pilgrimage to Tiruchendur.
Criticism and Alliance Uncertainties
Jose Charles Martin of LJK criticized Rangasamy's actions, stating it was inappropriate for him to travel during critical alliance negotiations. Meanwhile, AINRC sources revealed that the party has prepared a list of prospective candidates for all 30 constituencies, indicating readiness to contest the polls independently if necessary. They are also exploring a potential alliance with actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) should the BJP fail to meet their demands.
Opposition Camp in Similar Deadlock
Simultaneously, the opposition Congress-DMK alliance faces its own challenges, failing to reach a seat-sharing agreement. A tussle over which party should lead the alliance in Puducherry has stalled progress, with both sides unable to find common ground.
Imminent Deadline and Political Stalemate
With only two working days remaining for the filing of nomination papers, parties in both the ruling and opposition camps are hopeful that the current impasse will be resolved swiftly. The ongoing delays highlight the volatile nature of Puducherry's political landscape, where alliances are fragile and key issues like statehood and party inclusion remain contentious.
