PUDUCHERRY: All India Congress Committee (AICC) spokesperson and Puducherry in-charge Dolly Sharma on Friday came down heavily on the BJP-AINRC coalition government, demanding a white paper on the status of promises made in the BJP’s 2021 election manifesto.
Addressing reporters at the Congress party office here, Sharma described the BJP-AINRC alliance as a “factory of fake promises” and accused the government of operating as a “betrayal machine” rather than one focused on public welfare. “What have you promised, and what have you delivered?” she asked, challenging the administration to account for its performance over the past four years.
She alleged that the government was functioning under the remote control of the Centre, sidelining the voices and concerns of Puducherry’s residents. “There is no government here—only deception and betrayal. Corruption is widespread across departments, and even temple lands are reportedly being encroached upon, with some BJP leaders allegedly involved,” Sharma charged.
Calling for an immediate audit of central funds sanctioned under schemes such as Smart City and PMAY (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana), she questioned whether there had been any tangible benefits for the public. “Roads remain in poor condition, and drainage systems have seen no major improvement. Only contractors with proximity to BJP leaders seem to have gained,” she said, dubbing the Smart City initiative a “smart scam”.
The Congress leader also criticised the government for failing to regularise contract workers, highlighting the plight of teachers, nurses, and sanitation staff who continue to face uncertainty. “The BJP promised jobs, but delivered none. Farmers remain without Minimum Support Price (MSP) protections, and the safety of women has been severely neglected,” she added, citing the rise in sexual assault and crimes against women.
On the matter of statehood, Sharma remarked, “Those who came to power with promises of securing statehood for Puducherry have now fallen silent. Where is their voice now?”
Reiterating Congress’s commitment to transparent and accountable governance, Sharma said the party would restore dignity and proper administration in the Union Territory. “Congress governments have delivered in the past, and we remain committed to listening to the people and rebuilding Puducherry,” she said.
Former chief ministers V Narayanasamy and V Vaithilingam, who currently serves as PCC president and Lok Sabha member, were also present at the press meet.