Cong likely to retain power in Pondy

Pondicherry: The lack of any perceptible anti-incumbency wave coupled with its alliance with the DMK is likely to boost chances of the ruling Congress in retaining power in Pondicherry.

In the absence of anti-incumbency wave, the campaign is yet to reach feverish pitch in the 27 constituencies though only less than three days are left for the campaigning to end.

Polling for two Assembly segments in Mahe falling in Kerala and one in Yanam in Andhra Pradesh was held yesterday in the first phase and the remaining 27 go to polls on May 8.

Most people of Pondicherry appear to be content with the Congress Government in the last over a decade compared to the political scenario earlier.

However, the presence of candidates in Mudaliarpet, Mannadipet, Ossudu (SC) and Karaikal is causing some concern in the Congress camp.

Pondicherry Congress Committee President P Shanmugham said efforts were still on to secure the support for the party nominees.

Taking on the formidable DPA, comprising the DMK, PMK and CPI besides the Congress, is the AIADMK front which has with it Puducherry Munnetra Congress, formed by a breakaway group of Congressmen led by P Kannan, Vaiko's MDMK, JD(S) and Dalit Panthers of India (DPI).