With just days remaining for the Puducherry Legislative Assembly elections scheduled on April 9, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a massive roadshow in the Union Territory, significantly intensifying the campaign of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
The roadshow, which passed through Ansari Duraisamy Road to Kamaraj Salai, witnessed enthusiastic participation from large crowds amid tight security arrangements. N. Rangasamy, Home Minister A. Namassivayam, and BJP state president and Raj Bhavan constituency candidate V. Mana Ramalingam were also present.
In a series of posts on X, the Prime Minister described the roadshow as “phenomenal,” noting strong participation from women and youth. He expressed confidence that the people of Puducherry would re-elect the NDA government to continue development initiatives under what he termed the vision of “BEST Puducherry.”
PM Modi highlighted the NDA government’s focus on social welfare and governance, stating that initiatives in public distribution, employment generation, and support for farmers and youth have resonated with citizens.
Focus on Infrastructure and Development
Emphasising infrastructure development, the Prime Minister referred to several key projects aimed at improving connectivity in the region. These include plans for an elevated corridor on National Highway-32, improvements to a stretch on NH-332A, and the completed four-lane Puducherry–Poondiyankuppam section.
He also noted that the Cabinet had approved the construction of a 46-km four-lane highway between Marakkanam and Puducherry, which is expected to boost regional connectivity.
In urban mobility, electric buses introduced under the PM e-Bus Seva initiative were highlighted as a step towards sustainable transport.
Boost to Education, Health and Industry
The Prime Minister underscored efforts to strengthen education and healthcare infrastructure, including the inauguration of new facilities at institutions such as the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Block at NIT Karaikal and modernisation works at JIPMER.
He also pointed to the development of the Karasur-Sedarapet Industrial Estate, which is expected to host pharma, textile, and IT parks, and attract investment and talent to the region. Plans to establish research and development centres to promote innovation were also outlined.
Additionally, projects related to rural roads, heritage town development, mangrove restoration, and water supply improvements were cited as part of ongoing development efforts.
‘Opposition lacked vision for Puducherry’s progress’
PM Modi said that opposition parties lacked a clear vision for Puducherry’s progress. He accused them of prioritising political control over development, contrasting it with the NDA’s governance model.
He also referred to a slogan shared during interactions with party workers, describing the opposition as promoting a “WEAK Puducherry,” which he elaborated as “Worst Governance, End of Development, Against People, and Kill Economy.”
