Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday said Puducherry would be granted full statehood once Rahul Gandhi becomes Prime Minister. He made the statement while campaigning for Congress candidates in the Puducherry Assembly election.
Addressing a public meeting near the ECR fish market, Kharge alleged that the NDA alliance government in Puducherry was “steeped in corruption” and claimed contracts were being awarded with a 30% commission. He also accused the BJP-led Union government of trying to “crush smaller states,” citing Puducherry as an example.
Kharge further alleged that government assets and temple lands in Puducherry were being misused, and said there was a lack of transparency in public contracts. He claimed the administration had permitted liquor-related businesses while residents faced drinking water shortages.
Listing Congress promises, Kharge said a Congress government in 2026 would implement compulsory education and provide free education from Class 1 up to research-level studies. He also announced proposals including free grocery items worth Rs 2,500 per month through ration cards and gold for the mangalsutra.
Former Chief Minister V Narayanasamy, Congress candidates and party leaders attended the meeting, which was hosted by Puducherry Congress president and candidate V Vaithilingam.
