Pondicherry: Candidates for the May 3 and 8 Assembly elections in Pondicherry are engaged in election campaigning unmindful of the scorching heat.
The campaign has so far been devoid of loudspeaker announcements or poll graffiti. Candidates are engaged only in door-to-door canvassing due to strict enforcement of the model code of conduct of elections.
With the AIADMK, PMC, MDMK and DPI combine finalising their alliances and announcing candidates, most them are in their constituencies engaged in canvassing.
The AIADMK is contesting 16 seats in alliance with the PMC (10), MDMK (2) and DPI (2).
The PMC was yet to announce the candidates for Bussy and Kuruvinatham constituencies. This is considered as a political tactic to rope in dissidents who could not obtain seats in the Congress-led alliance.
Though three days had passed after the notification for the first phase of elections, the Congress-led Democratic Progressive Alliance (DPA) was yet to finalise its partners.
The Congress leaders continued to maintain that talks were smoothly progressing and the alliance will be finalised in a couple of days.
However, some aspirants like E Valsaraj (Mahe) and A V Sreedharan (Palloor), both sitting members, were engaged in hectic campaign in Mahe region as they are confident of re-nomination.
Anandaraman of the PMK was also seen canvassing for himself at Ariyankuppam constituency though it is not clear whether the party will get the seat in the alliance.
Though, the CPI-M is also a constituent of the DPA, the Congress is not engaged in talks with it. AICC General Secretary Narayansamy said that the CPI-M was adopting a different stand and fielding its candidates in Mahe region. Hence, the Congress was not holding talks with the party.
The delay on the part of the Congress to finalise the alliance was causing confusion among the cadre among the DPA constituents, which may dampen their spirits.
Meanwhile, all arrangements are being made to ensure a free and fair poll. For the first time Pondicherry will have a photo voter lists.
Police are making elaborate arrangements to maintain law and order Raids are being held to trace illegal weapons and other property.
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