Prime Minister and senior BJP leader Narendra Modi today interacted with party workers of Puducherry under the “Mera Booth, Sabse Mazboot” programme through the NaMo App. Addressing booth-level workers, Mr. Modi emphasised that booth-level strengthening is key to electoral success and called for coordinated efforts with NDA alliance partners. Appreciating the dedication of party workers, he said their hard work must translate into votes, urging them to ensure maximum voter turnout in favour of the NDA.
Alleging that the Congress and DMK prioritise family interests , Prime Minister said the NDA is committed to people-centric governance. The Prime Minister also highlighted the role of tourism in generating direct employment and boosting the local economy, stating that several initiatives taken by the NDA government have helped promote tourism in Puducherry. He urged workers to reach out to those engaged in tourism and hospitality sectors and inform them that tourist footfall has doubled in the Union Territory over the past five years. He added that measures such as easing visa norms and visa-on-arrival facilities have also boosted tourism.
Mr. Modi also emphasised the need to connect with every household and highlight the NDA government’s initiatives. He said the vision of “BEST Puducherry” – Business, Education, Spirituality and Tourism – has been well received by the people in the union territory.
Prime Minister also asked party workers to spread awareness about welfare schemes for women and highlight improvements in law and order, particularly with regard to women’s safety. Referring to the fisheries sector, he said the NDA government created a dedicated Ministry of Fisheries along with a separate budget and targeted schemes to improve the livelihoods of fishermen families. He noted that fishermen are now being provided benefits such as Kisan Credit Cards and accident insurance coverage of up to five lakh rupees.
Highlighting significant developments in the health and education sectors in Puducherry over the past five years, Mr Modi assured that such efforts will continue if the NDA returns to power. He urged booth-level workers to intensify outreach, meet every voter and beneficiary, and highlight schemes such as Ayushman Bharat and Jan Aushadhi Kendras. He also asked them to interact with youth from the Scheduled Tribes and the economically weaker sections and document beneficiary experiences.
Meanwhile, Congress leaders have alleged that the “double-engine” government in Puducherry has failed to deliver on the promises made in its election manifesto. Addressing a press conference, Karnataka Minister for Health and Family Welfare and senior Congress leader Dinesh Gundu Rao said that the NR Congress-BJP alliance has not succeeded in securing statehood or special status for the Union Territory.
Stepping up his criticism, Mr. Rao claimed that corruption has become widespread, alleging that a “30 per cent commission” culture prevails in government projects. He also alleged that political patronage from the ruling alliance enabled the fake medicine racket in the region.
Congress General Secretary and Puducherry Observer Quazi Nizamuddin said the NDA government has neglected key social sectors such as education, rural development, and the welfare of Scheduled Castes and minorities. AICC in-charge Anjali Nimbalkar and former Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy were also present on the occasion.
