Campaign in Puducherry
BJP vice-president Khushbu campaigned in Puducherry in support of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidates for the Assembly election. Speaking to reporters later, she expressed confidence that the NDA would return to power.
Claims on governance and law-and-order
Khushbu said Chief Minister N. Rangasamy’s administration in Puducherry was performing well. She alleged that Tamil Nadu was under a “corrupt” regime and claimed even Class 8 students could easily access liquor and narcotic substances.
On tourism, bars and regulation
Referring to Puducherry’s status as a tourist destination, she said the number of resto-bars had increased but maintained that there were controls in place. She contrasted this with what she described as “progressive governance” in Puducherry.
Statehood and political remarks
Khushbu said she would not make a “false promise” on granting statehood to Puducherry, calling it a major step. She also took a swipe at Congress, saying party president Mallikarjun Kharge might even claim Rahul Gandhi would become President to protect his position, but asserted that Rahul becoming Prime Minister would remain a long-distance dream.
Comment on Vijay
On actor-turned-politician Vijay, she said he had entered politics only recently and did not want to comment further. She added that he mentioned a BJP candidate’s name instead of his party’s candidate during a Puducherry campaign because the BJP was on his mind.
