Rahul Gandhi Promises Full Statehood for Puducherry, Vows Local Body Polls Within 6 Months

Puducherry — Leader of Opposition and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has reiterated his party’s commitment to empowering the people of Puducherry, stating that the Union Territory should be governed by its own citizens. In a message shared on social media, Rahul Gandhi promised that a Congress government would prioritise granting full statehood to Puducherry, a long-standing demand aimed at ensuring greater autonomy and democratic governance.

Puducherry should be run by its people. It’s my promise that a Congress Government will be committed to: - Full Statehood for Puducherry - Local body elections to be held within 6 months pic.twitter.com/0VCShqOzyE

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 6, 2026

He also assured that local body elections would be conducted within six months of coming to power, emphasising the importance of grassroots democracy and citizen participation in governance. Highlighting the Congress party’s vision, Gandhi stressed that decision-making should rest with the people of Puducherry, reinforcing the principle of decentralised governance and accountability.