Puducherry being ‘cold-shouldered’ by Centre despite alliance, alleges TVK chief Vijay

CHENNAI: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president actor Vijay on Tuesday accused the BJP-led Union government of repeatedly sidelining the Puducherry administration, even as he refrained from criticising the Union Territory's Chief Minister N Rangaswamy, who is part of the NDA.

Addressing a public meeting at the Uppalam harbour grounds, Vijay praised the Puducherry Chief Minister for ensuring adequate police protection for the event and said the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu should learn from it. His appreciation of the All India NR Congress (AINRC) founder comes amid speculation that TVK may explore an alliance with the party for the upcoming Puducherry elections. TVK general secretary N Anand, who hails from Puducherry, had earlier contested unsuccessfully on an AINRC ticket in 2016.

In his speech, Vijay trained guns on the BJP and the DMK while remaining silent on the ruling AINRC and the former ruling party, Congress.

Vijay said Puducherry’s long-standing demands were being ignored in a manner similar to Tamil Nadu’s concerns. “Do not assume I speak only for Tamil Nadu. I am equally committed to raising Puducherry’s voice. That is my duty,” he said. He pointed out that the demand for statehood, endorsed 16 times by the Puducherry Assembly, including a resolution passed on March 27, continued to remain unaddressed by New Delhi.

He criticised the absence of industrial revival and said that five defunct mills in Puducherry and Karaikal had not seen even a symbolic attempt at reopening. “There is no vision for job creation. There is not even the basic intent to attract a single IT company here,” he said.

Referring to the delay in allotting a portfolio to a minister removed over corruption allegations, Vijay said the prolonged vacancy was an insult to minority communities. Several local groups have expressed similar concerns.

On civic infrastructure, he said Puducherry, despite being a major tourist destination, lacked adequate parking facilities and basic public sanitation. He reiterated the long-standing demand for a Puducherry to Cuddalore railway link and urged people not to fall for the DMK’s promises.

Vijay also highlighted the Union Territory’s financial distress. He said Puducherry’s exclusion from the Finance Commission framework had left it dependent on ad hoc central grants. With most funds used for routine expenditure, the administration was being forced to borrow even for essential needs, he said.

Calling for statehood, industrial expansion and revival of ration shops, which he described as the lifeline of the poor, Vijay said Puducherry deserved support on par with other states. Referring to the repeated detention of Karaikal fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy, he said livelihoods were being destroyed because boats were not returned after release.

“This Vijay will always stand by the people of Puducherry. Have faith. Vettri Nichayam,” he said.