Puducherry: CPM Tamil Nadu state secretary P Shanmugam on Friday lashed out at the political landscape in TN and the Union territory of Puducherry, accusing major political parties—including the TVK—of distributing cash for votes in ongoing assembly byelections.Speaking to reporters in Puducherry, Shanmugam targeted TVK founder and Tamil Nadu chief minister C Joseph Vijay, questioning how a party claiming to represent a ‘pure political force’ (Thooya Sakthi) could indulge in unhesitating voter bribery. He said TVK’s on-the-ground actions contradict its claims of principled politics. The widespread distribution of money to voters completely erases TVK’s self-proclaimed identity as a “pure force”. He said Vijay must answer to the public regarding these double standards.He claimed that alliances led by TVK, DMK, and AIADMK are fearlessly distributing money to voters, leaving the CPM as the only political party refraining from cash inducements. He alleged that the election officials are largely absent on the ground and have turned a blind eye to widespread violations and illegal cash flow despite prior warnings.He pointed out that Vijay, who cancelled more public rallies than he addressed ahead of 2026 assembly polls, has now desperately launched door-to-door campaigns and resorted to street-by-street canvassing across 39 locations in Madurantakam. He attributed this shift to severe competition and an unfavourable electoral ground. He termed the by-elections as an unnecessary burden imposed on the public due to the irresponsible resignations of former representatives, leading to widespread public resentment against returning candidates.Shanmugam criticised Puducherry chief minister and AINRC founder president N Rangasamy for failing to bring tangible development to the Union territory or push effectively for full statehood for the territory. He emphasised that Left parties remain the sole voice raising core public issues inside the legislative assembly.
