Congress and DMK have asked the Election Commission to hold Tamil Nadu and Puducherry polls on April 23, warning that separate dates could lead to security risks and disrupt a long-standing electoral practice.
Demand to hold polls in TN and Puducherry on same day
Puducherry: The demand to conduct Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on the same day has gained traction, with major political parties urging the Election Commission of India to revise its poll schedule.
The Indian National Congress and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam have written to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, requesting that elections in both regions be held on April 23.
Under the election current schedule, Puducherry will go to polls on April 9, while Tamil Nadu is slated to vote on April 23.
Both parties pointed out that holding elections on separate dates marks a break from a long-standing convention. For nearly three decades, polling in the two neighbouring regions has been conducted simultaneously, with the last exception recorded in 1996.
They argued that the earlier practice helped ensure better coordination and reduced the risk of electoral malpractices.
Highlighting potential challenges, the parties warned that separate polling dates could increase the risk of impersonation and facilitate the movement of external elements under the pretext of campaigning.
They noted that 28 of Puducherry’s 30 constituencies are geographically close to Tamil Nadu, making simultaneous polling crucial to maintaining law and order.
Tamil Nadu ‘In Debt Trap’: AIADMK senior leader M Thambidurai flags concerns in Parliament
The parties also questioned the urgency behind advancing elections in Puducherry, pointing out that the Assembly’s tenure is set to continue until June 15.
They have sought clarification from the Election Commission on the reasons for deviating from past practice.
The Election Commission has not yet responded to the concerns raised. As election preparations gather pace, the issue is expected to remain a key political talking point in the run-up to the polls.
