PWF launches campaign in Puducherry

Launching its campaign for the coming assembly elections in Puducherry, the People's Welfare Front has vowed to work for securing full statehood for the Union Territory.
Addressing a public meeting here late last night, leaders of the five-party combine explained the 'Common Minimum Programme of the alliance' and said if elected to power it would ensure total prohibition in the UT.
PWF in Puducherry, where assembly elections are due before coming May, comprises CPI-M, CPI, VCK, MDMK and Revolutionary Socialist Party.
MDMK leader and PWF Convenor Vaiko sought statehood for Puducherry and also Delhi.
Accusing Chief Minister N Rangasamy of failure to initiate steps for getting full statehood despite his party AINRC striking an alliance with BJP-led NDA for the 2014 Lok Sabha polls,

"Puducherry continues to be at the mercy of the Centre with the local government lacking full-fledged powers," he said making out a strong case for state-hood for Puducherry and also Delhi.

Vaiko also charged the NDA Government with trying to "crush the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government" and made out a strong case for full statehood status for the national capital.
CPI National Secretary D Raja said PWF was a "historical necessity" and would ensure an effective political and social alternative with firm policies and programmes.
Charging that the AINRC Government had not taken any steps to address issues such as unemployment and atrocities against downtrodden, he said people wanted a viable alternative.

VCK leader Thol Tirumavalan said the alliance would bring in total prohibition.
He lashed out at those indulging in a campaign that the PWF would disintegrate and said the alliance had been formed to present an effective alternative political path for the people of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.