Stalin pushes for full statehood
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has publicly called for full statehood for Puducherry, accusing the central government of showing “no interest” in upgrading the Union Territory despite repeated demands from its own legislature. He addressed a rally in Puducherry on April 6, 2026, and formally introduced candidates of the Congress–DMK–VCK alliance contesting the April 9 Assembly elections.
Criticism of Centre’s role in Puducherry
Stalin alleged that the Lieutenant Governor functions as the “all in all” while the elected Chief Minister, N Rangasamy, is reduced to a “puppet chief minister,” highlighting what he termed “remote‑control” governance from Delhi. He pointed out that the Puducherry Assembly has passed 14 resolutions urging full statehood, none of which have been acted upon by the Centre.
Statehood as a poll plank
The demand for full statehood has become a central theme of the upcoming Assembly polls; the Congress too has reiterated its commitment to granting statehood, saying Puducherry should not be “run from Delhi.” Stalin promised that if the secular democratic alliance (including the INDIA bloc at the national level) comes to power, Puducherry would get state‑like funds, stronger elected leadership, and focused development and job‑creation schemes.
Puducherry’s political context
Puducherry’s Legislative Assembly elections are scheduled for April 9, with results due on May 4. The territory’s fragmented geography and the dual power structure between the elected government and the Lieutenant Governor have long fuelled resentment, turning statehood into a key electoral issue across parties.
