Actor-politician Vijay on Sunday pledged to secure full statehood for Puducherry if his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), is voted to power in the upcoming Assembly elections scheduled for April 9.
Addressing a campaign rally, Vijay questioned national parties for failing to grant statehood to the Union Territory despite being in power at the Centre. “The demand for statehood has been pending for many years. Even the Sushma Swaraj Committee recommended it over two decades ago, yet nothing has been implemented,” he said.
Promising decisive action, he added that the TVK would make a “100 per cent legal effort” to secure statehood, ensuring governance free from interference by the Lieutenant Governor.
Outlining his party’s welfare agenda, Vijay said local body elections would be conducted within six months of assuming power. He also announced a maternity assistance of ₹25,000 for women and assured that all vacant government posts would be filled.
For farmers, the TVK chief promised 100 per cent crop insurance coverage, while fishermen would receive a diesel subsidy of ₹20 per litre. He further announced medical insurance coverage of up to ₹25 lakh for every family and free electricity of up to 200 units for families below the poverty line.
In the education sector, Vijay proposed the establishment of a new institution—the Puducherry University of Applied Sciences and Arts. He also said that 25 per cent of development expenditure would be earmarked for the regions of Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam.
Campaigning in Thattanchavady, Vijay launched a sharp attack on the alliance between the DMK and the Congress, alleging a lack of coordination and enthusiasm. “There is confusion and discord within the alliance, with candidates even contesting against each other in some constituencies,” he claimed.
He also criticised both the DMK-Congress alliance and the BJP–NR Congress alliance, asserting that neither would serve the interests of Puducherry.
Appealing to voters, Vijay said all communities, including minorities, deserve security and cautioned against trusting alliances that merely claim to be pro-minority. “Vote for TVK candidates who stand with the people. Give us one opportunity,” he urged.
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