PM Modi expresses confidence in NDA retaining power in Puducherry

PM Modi assures Puducherry's NDA will retain power, highlighting past governance issues under Congress-DMK and promoting new development projects.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (March 1, 2026) said the people of Puducherry would re-elect the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government as they were aware of the “political instability, corruption, and law and order issues” under the previous Congress-Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government in the Union Territory.

Addressing a large gathering after laying the foundation for and inaugurating projects worth around ₹2,700 crore at the Lawspet Helipad Ground, he said the “double-engine” government had performed in accordance with his advice to develop Puducherry as the BEST (Business, Education, Spiritual, and Tourism hub) Union Territory.

“The Congress made Puducherry an ATM for one family that sits in Delhi. When it comes to the DMK, you are seeing the long list of scams happening in Tamil Nadu. The previous Congress-DMK government symbolised corruption, political instability, free run for crime and drug mafia. People could not get salary for months. The same forces are hungry for power in Puducherry. They will hamper the development of the Union Territory. I am sure the people of Puducherry will never want them back,” he said.

In the last four-and-a-half years of NDA rule in Puducherry, the region had good governance, the Prime Minister said. The government was able to conduct direct recruitment to fill vacancies pending for long in its departments. The recruitment examinations were not conducted for decades, but the “double engine” government made them happen, he added.

“Our vision has led to good governance and development, which is evident from the rise in per capita income and the highest Social Progress Index score in the country. Now, the double engine government will give more momentum to Puducherry’s growth. The new ₹2,700-crore projects will further transform the lives of people,” the Prime Minister said.

Referring to the Centre’s decision to include Puducherry in the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme meant for asset creation, Mr. Modi said this would entitle the Union Territory to funds from the ₹12-lakh crore set aside in the Union Budget for building infrastructure. “The scheme was restricted to States. The inclusion of the Union Territory in the scheme will ensure more funding for essential infrastructure such as roads, water supply, schools, and hospitals,” he said.