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Majority of Assembly seats are in Pondy region

S. Nadarajan

21 seats here are crucial for formation of government

Pondicherry: Now that the first phase of polling covering Mahe region is over, political parties and their candidates are intensifying their campaign to garner as many seats as possible in the second phase of polling on May 8 in Pondy and Karaikal having the remaining 27 seats.

Political parties are happy over peaceful conduct of the polls in the two outlying regions and the highest percentage of polling in Yanam is particularly encouraging. The DPA put in strenuous efforts to come out with flying colours. The other combination, the Democratic People's Front, is challenging the DPA vigorously. Most of the important and senior political leaders are girding up loins to see to it that they and their parties emerge victorious. Of the 16 seats earmarked to it by the DPA, the Congress has jumped into the poll battle in 9 constituencies in Pondicherry region alone and fielded the remaining seven candidates in outlying regions. The DMK has fielded its candidates in 9 segments in Pondicherry while its remaining two nominees are contesting in Karaikal region.

The number of seats an alliance annexes in Pondicherry region would determine the scope for it to form the next government. The same is for the leading constituent of the respective alliance to head a coalition government if it becomes inevitable.

The AIADMK is contesting ten out of 21 seats in the Pondicherry region and has fielded its remaining six candidates in Karaikal. The AIADMK considers this poll more crucial than any of the elections it has contested so far. Now AIADMK does not appear to remain a scaffold, as it desires to establish the government as per decision of its high command. The AIADMK is a major adversary for the DMK. The PMC forming part of the AIADMK led front deems the Congress as its major opponent. There are insiders in the Congress who say that the opposition held constituencies drew larger benefits by way of sanction of funds and implementation of schemes by the Congress administration. Independents (rebel candidates) are holding the key in some constituencies, which has drawn the attention of poll observers

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