NEW DELHI: As campaigning intensifies for the Puducherry assembly elections, the Congress has laid out an extensive welfare and governance roadmap, with a strong focus on jobs, social security and full statehood for the Union Territory.Addressing an election rally in Lawspet, Congress MP and leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi reiterated the party’s key promise, saying, “We are committed to giving full statehood to Puducherry.”He alleged that the current government in the Union Territory does not reflect the will of the people and is “imposed from Delhi”.

What all has Congress announced?

The Congress has announced a series of measures aimed at boosting employment and easing financial stress on households. The party has promised a monthly financial assistance of Rs 2,000 for unemployed youth and the creation of 30,000 new jobs across both public and private sectors.Focusing on women’s welfare, the party has pledged free bus travel for women in Puducherry. It has also proposed to relax the upper age limit for government jobs up to 40 years, aiming to widen employment opportunities.In the healthcare sector, Congress has promised a comprehensive insurance cover of Rs 20 lakh for every family in the Union Territory.Alongside welfare measures, the party has emphasised governance reforms. It has assured that local body elections will be conducted within six months of coming to power, while also reiterating its long-standing demand for full statehood for Puducherry.Targeting the BJP, Rahul Gandhi accused it of failing to fulfil its promise of granting statehood and alleged that the UT is being run by “remote control”, sidelining local leadership.He also levelled corruption charges, claiming that “there is a 30 per cent commission taken on all contracts” and that the government has become a “collection agent”.Urging voters to support the Congress and its alliance partners, Rahul Gandhi said that the party aims to form a government that truly represents the voice of the people of Puducherry.The Puducherry assembly elections will be held for 30 seats in a single phase on April 9, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4. The current assembly’s term is set to expire on June 15.