The AIADMK on Saturday accused the AINRC and Congress of copying its election manifesto for the 2016 Assembly elections.
Addressing a press meet on the last day of the election campaign, Puducherry AIADMK election in charge V. Pugazhenthi said, “In her 40-minute speech during the election campaign in Puducherry, AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa had read out all the details that was later published in the election manifesto. Both AINRC and Congress have copied 80 per cent of the AIADMK’s manifesto and reproduced as theirs,” he said.
Mr. Pugazhenthi alleged that both the parties were not even aware of the fact that Puducherry cannot get separate statehood status or special category status. “In 2013, the Centre has decided not to grant special category status to any states. The only practicable solution is getting special financial concession for the state, which the AIADMK has promised in the manifesto,” he said.
Former Member of Parliament M. Ramdass added that the special category status was given only to the north-eastern states to ensure progress. However, it was not granted to any other state after 2013. Mr. Pugazhenthi accused the AINRC Government of not delivering on their promises. “Whether the pension scheme or financial assistance to widows or fishermen, nothing has reached the beneficiaries. They cannot fulfil their promises even if they return to power. He cannot even buy a jug for the people. We have MPs who would get the required financial assistance for Puducherry,” he said.
AIADMK MP N. Gokulakrishnan was also present.
‘Both the parties are not even aware of the fact that Puducherry cannot get separate statehood status’
