From Jobs to Women’s Welfare: Key Highlights of Congress’ Puducherry Manifesto 2026
As the Puducherry assembly elections draw near, the Congress party has unveiled a detailed manifesto promising wide-ranging welfare schemes, employment opportunities, and governance reforms, with a sharp focus on women, youth, and social security.
At a rally in Lawspet, Congress MP and Lok Sabha opposition leader Rahul Gandhi reiterated a key commitment, saying, “We are committed to giving full statehood to Puducherry.” He criticised the current administration, alleging it is “imposed from Delhi” and does not reflect the aspirations of the local population.
Key Proposals for Employment and Financial Support
The Congress manifesto prioritises job creation and support for households facing financial strain. Highlights include:
Focusing on women’s safety and mobility, the party has pledged free bus travel for women in the Union Territory. In healthcare, it promises a comprehensive insurance cover of Rs 20 lakh for every family, aiming to strengthen financial protection for medical needs.
Governance Reforms and Statehood Push
Congress has also stressed governance improvements, promising to conduct local body elections within six months of taking office. The party continues to champion full statehood for Puducherry, positioning it as a central goal.
Targeting the BJP, Rahul Gandhi criticised the previous government for failing to deliver on statehood and accused it of running the UT by “remote control,” bypassing local leadership. He further alleged corruption, claiming “there is a 30 per cent commission taken on all contracts” and that the administration functions like a “collection agent.”
Election Schedule
Rahul Gandhi urged voters to back Congress and its allies to form a government that genuinely represents the people of Puducherry. The assembly elections will cover 30 seats in a single phase on April 9, with vote counting scheduled for May 4. The current assembly’s term concludes on June 15.
At a rally in Lawspet, Congress MP and Lok Sabha opposition leader Rahul Gandhi reiterated a key commitment, saying, “We are committed to giving full statehood to Puducherry.” He criticised the current administration, alleging it is “imposed from Delhi” and does not reflect the aspirations of the local population.
Key Proposals for Employment and Financial Support
The Congress manifesto prioritises job creation and support for households facing financial strain. Highlights include:
- Monthly financial aid of Rs 2,000 for unemployed youth.
- 30,000 new jobs across public and private sectors.
- Relaxation of the upper age limit for government jobs to 40 years, expanding opportunities for applicants.
- Women’s Welfare and Healthcare Promises
Focusing on women’s safety and mobility, the party has pledged free bus travel for women in the Union Territory. In healthcare, it promises a comprehensive insurance cover of Rs 20 lakh for every family, aiming to strengthen financial protection for medical needs.
Governance Reforms and Statehood Push
Congress has also stressed governance improvements, promising to conduct local body elections within six months of taking office. The party continues to champion full statehood for Puducherry, positioning it as a central goal.
Targeting the BJP, Rahul Gandhi criticised the previous government for failing to deliver on statehood and accused it of running the UT by “remote control,” bypassing local leadership. He further alleged corruption, claiming “there is a 30 per cent commission taken on all contracts” and that the administration functions like a “collection agent.”
Election Schedule
Rahul Gandhi urged voters to back Congress and its allies to form a government that genuinely represents the people of Puducherry. The assembly elections will cover 30 seats in a single phase on April 9, with vote counting scheduled for May 4. The current assembly’s term concludes on June 15.
Next Story