While women form the backbone of the electorate in Puducherry for the upcoming Legislative Assembly elections, their presence in the political arena as candidates remains modest this time as well. Of the 294 candidates contesting the elections, only 40 are women, constituting just 12.6 per cent.
Of the total 950,311 electorate in Puducherry, women account for 503,810, compared to 446,361 men. This trend is consistent across all 30 Assembly constituencies, underlining the decisive role women are poised to play in shaping the electoral outcome. However, this numerical strength has not translated into proportional representation in the electoral contest.
Among major political parties, only three women candidates have been fielded in the election. The All India NR Congress has fielded Chandra Priyanga from Nedungadu and B. Kobiga from Thirubhuvanai, while the Indian National Congress has nominated Vizhayalakshmy Djeamourthy from Ariankuppam.
Thirubhuvanai and Ozhukkarai constituencies witness the highest number of women candidates, with five women in the fray in each. Meanwhile, six constituencies do not have a single woman candidate in the contest. Of the parties, Naam Tamilar Katchi has fielded the highest number of women candidates, with 14 in the fray. Actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam and Pattali Makkal Katchi have fielded two women candidates each, while Viduthalai Siruthaigal Katchi has fielded one. Of the 40 women candidates, 12 are independents, while six represent smaller parties.
A look back at the 2021 Assembly elections presents a similar picture. Out of 36 women candidates who contested then, only one – Chandra Priyanga – was elected to the Assembly. She later served as Transport Minister in the N. Rangasamy Cabinet before stepping down in October 2023. The figures underline a continuing gap between women’s electoral participation as voters and their representation in legislative politics in Puducherry.
