Published Mar 27, 2026 | 1:32 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 27, 2026 | 1:32 PM
The welfare schemes that the DMK has launched in TN have caught the fancy of women voters in Puducherry.
Summary: Voters in Puducherry are a divided lot. Chief Minister N Rangasamy’s personal appeal is still strong despite visible anti-incumbency sentiments against the NR Congress–BJP alliance. Many voters, especially the youth, highlight unemployment and lack of development, even as scepticism persists over the BJP’s independent influence in the Union Territory. At the same time, women voters are increasingly drawn towards the DMK, inspired by its welfare schemes in Tamil Nadu, making it a key factor in the upcoming 2026 elections.
Despite palpable anti-incumbency sentiments, the National Democratic Alliance in Puducherry is pinning its hopes on Chief Minister and All India NR Congress leader N Rangasamy’s personal appeal for continuing in power.
The Opposition DMK–Congress alliance, meanwhile, is struggling to even finalise seat-sharing talks, sparking uncertainty over whether party cadres will work wholeheartedly for victory.
However, the DMK enjoys a decent fan following in the Union Territory, thanks to its performance in Tamil Nadu.
Puducherry’s electoral battlefield now has new entrants such as the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), and Jose Charles Martin’s Latchiya Jananayaga Katchi (LJK), as well as parties like the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and the Left parties contesting independently.
Puducherry is currently governed by the NDA, comprising the All India NR Congress and the BJP. After leaving the Congress in 2011, Rangasamy founded the NR Congress and has since led the party to victory in both the 2011 and 2021 Assembly elections.
In between, although the Congress secured 15 seats and formed the government in 2016, internal confusion within the alliance and a series of resignations weakened the government, preventing it from retaining power.
The Puducherry Assembly has a total of 33 seats, including 30 elected members and three nominated members. There are a total of 9,48,977 voters in Puducherry — 4,45,761 men, 5,03,076 women, and 140 third-gender voters. This also includes 1,665 NRI voters.
In Puducherry, the personal influence of leaders determines electoral outcomes, not strictly political affiliation, caste, religion, or ideology. Rangasamy remains a defining figure in Puducherry politics.
Benjamin, a teashop owner from Raj Bhavan constituency, said it was difficult to predict which party would form the government.
“Rangasamy understands what the people need and acts accordingly. So, he has a chance,” he said.
Gnanamurthy, a 55-year-old differently-abled petty shop owner, too, felt Rangasamy would ride back to power.
“Rangasamy has implemented various welfare measures for persons with disabilities, including pensions, and has promised to increase them. So, I will vote for whichever alliance he is part of,” he said.
However, Mahesh from Villianur constituency said no party, be it NR Congress or Congress, has done anything significant for his constituency over the years.
“Under Rangasamy’s rule, nothing major was done for our constituency. Former MLA Namachivayam also did nothing. But DMK’s R Siva, who won last time, has improved the condition of roads, water facilities, and other basic amenities. So, my vote is for him,” he said.
Chandrakala from Orleampeth constituency was not impressed with the umpteen number of watering holes in the segment.
“NR Congress earlier said rivers of honey and milk would flow if it came to power. But now, it is only liquor that is flowing. Look anywhere, and you see restobars. There are no basic facilities for women, the poor, or students. Even after studying, there are no jobs here; people have to go to cities like Bengaluru or Chennai. So, if a change has to come, DMK must come to power here like in Tamil Nadu,” she said.
Lack of employment opportunities for educated youth is a major concern in Puducherry.
“The biggest issue in Puducherry now is unemployment among educated youth. For 25 years, power alternated between the Congress–DMK and NR Congress, but no real change has happened. People should elect those who raise their voice and fight for everyday issues,” Anand, a voter from Lawspet constituency, said.
Praveen Kumar (28) from Nettapakkam constituency felt job opportunities began and ended in announcements.
“The current government has announced several jobs, but there is no sign of them actually being filled. Also, many government schools and educational institutions are being shut down, creating pressure on students and youth. Just like the INDIA bloc won the last parliamentary election, this time too, there is a chance for alternative parties,” he added.
In the 2021 elections, the NR Congress–BJP NDA alliance formed the government in Puducherry. Over the last five years, administrative reshuffles, ministerial exits, and internal confusion within the alliance have reflected not just within the parties but also among the people.
Benjamin said the BJP’s rise in Puducherry last time was a “fluke,” and it would be difficult to predict its vote share or constituencies.
Kalimani from Nellithope will be voting for the DMK since the NR Congress has allied with the BJP.
Kesavan from the same constituency opined that the BJP has done nothing in the past five years. “In Puducherry, the BJP may still have a chance to come to power. Modi is bringing many schemes, so they have a chance,” he added as if in an afterthought.
Many people still see Vijay as an outsider in Puducherry politics. While he may attract a certain vote share, they believe it will be difficult for him to win.
“Vijay may get a certain percentage of votes, but he has no chance of forming a government. His votes may instead hurt parties like the DMK and Congress,” Benjamin said.
Kalimani felt the actor-politician required more time. “He has just entered politics. We’ll know in the coming elections.”
Jayakumar, an autorickshaw driver from Orleampeth, expressed a lack of confidence in Vijay. “He suddenly comes and says he will do some things. What exactly will he do? Whoever comes, nothing will change.”
“It’s unclear whether this government is run by officials or corporations. People like us can’t even earn properly. Big companies like Ola and Uber are making money here, and the government is doing nothing. Whoever comes won’t bring change, I will vote for NOTA,” Jayakumar has made up his mind.
Another auto driver, Siva, felt new entrants should be given a chance. “No one should think they alone must always rule. For change, new parties, especially Vijay, should be given an opportunity.”
However, Mahesh was blunt: “Vijay has support in Tamil Nadu, but not much in our area.”
Valli, a sanitation worker, is undecided but has some hope in Vijay. “I haven’t received any welfare benefits, so there’s no point discussing that. Many people say Vijay will do well, and he has given promises. Maybe we should give him one chance.”
But Chandrakala said she didn’t understand Vijay’s politics, “He speaks like in films. What exactly is he saying? He talks about change, but what change? It’s unclear.”
The welfare schemes implemented by the DMK government under MK Stalin in Tamil Nadu have significantly attracted women in Puducherry.
Schemes like hostels for working women, the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai, and free bus travel for women have had a visible impact. Women expressed hope that if DMK comes to power in Puducherry, they will benefit from similar schemes.
“We don’t want the BJP or Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. If we have a problem, we don’t know where to find them. But local DMK leaders like Gopal and Siva come immediately when we need help. We want such people,” Bhuvaneswari from Orleampeth said.
“Women in Puducherry now want a DMK government. In Tamil Nadu, women are given importance in jobs, reservations, and governance. Women are mayors and councillors. But here, women are not given importance. Stalin has implemented many schemes for women, but here even ration shops were opened only recently due to elections,” Chandrakala added.
Bhuvaneswari further criticised the incumbent government. “Puducherry is small compared to Tamil Nadu, yet they say there are no funds for welfare schemes. We made Rangasamy the chief minister, hoping he would do something for women, but if he brings the BJP in, we don’t need him. We want DMK.”
Priyadarshini from Mudaliarpet did not hide her admiration for the Dravidian model in Tamil Nadu. “Schemes like free bus travel and financial assistance for women are not implemented here. So, we want DMK to come to power.”
Not just women, even men like Kalimani and Mahesh expressed support for DMK.
At the same time, Benjamin added, “In each constituency, those who have worked well will have higher chances. If votes don’t split, DMK has a strong chance.”
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
