Electioneering yet to pick up in Pondicherry

Pondicherry, Apr 9 (UNI) Electioneering in this tiny Union Territory, an erstwhile French colony is yet to pick up momentum,thanks to the uncertainity on the part of the ruling congress to finalise an alliance to contest the elections.

Elections in the Union Territory is being held in two phases.

While, Mahe and Palloor constituencies in Mahe region and Yanam constituency would go to polls on May 3 in the first phase, elections to the other 27 constituencies in Pondicherry and Karaikal regions would be held on May 8 in the second phase.

Stalemate in the formation of an alliance among the constituents of the Democratic Progressive Alliance continues even after four days of the notification of the first phase of elections here.

Eventhough, the congress leaders here had several rounds of talks with the leaders of other parties like DMK and PMK both in Chennai and New Delhi, an amicable settlement could not be reached yet as the congress finds it difficult to provide the number of seats each party is demanding, since, Pondicherry is having only 30 assembly constituencies. Talks are continuing and the leaders are hopeful of an amicable settlement.

This undue delay is creating restlessness among the cadre of the constituent parties forcing a few congress cadre to write to Sonia Gandhi that the congress should fight it alone. Though, the alliance was yet to be finalised, two persons have filed their nomination papers as congress candidate. In several constituencies those who sought tickets have started door-to door campaigning, hopeful of getting the ticket.

The AIADMK, PMC, MDMK, DPI alliance have sorted out things at the early stage itself and the announced candidates are on intensive door to door campaigning here. The strict enforcement of the model code of conduct is another reason for the dull electioneerig here. The electioneering scenerio is expected to change once, the congress sort out things and finalise alliance.

UNI PAB ARB ND1256