Puducherry’s INDIA alliance is facing fresh pressure as DMDK leader Premalatha announced that her party will contest the upcoming Assembly election, even as internal seat-sharing disputes within the bloc remain unresolved.
The Puducherry Assembly election is scheduled for April 9. On the NDA side, seat-sharing has been finalised, with NR Congress set to contest 16 seats, BJP 10, AIADMK 2 and LJK 2. In contrast, the INDIA alliance has seen delays even as the nomination deadline nears.
After prolonged talks, reports said the INDIA alliance has broadly settled seat allocation: Congress 16, DMK 12, and one seat each for the VCK and the Communist Party of India. However, Congress workers have been protesting outside state party chief V Vaithilingam’s residence, alleging that former Chief Minister Narayanasamy was denied a seat.
Another point of contention is the CPI’s allocation. While DMK and Congress were said to have agreed to allot only one constituency to the CPI, the party has announced candidates in two constituencies.
Speaking to reporters, Premalatha said DMDK will file nominations and will contest in Puducherry as part of the DMK–Congress alliance. She added that the party’s candidate announcement is expected around 3 pm after consultations with party functionaries.
