Puducherry poll verdict a win for money power: People's Welfare Alliance

PUDUCHERRY: May 20 (PTI) The six party People's Welfare Alliance has described the the May 16 Assembly results as "a victory of money power" and a direct sequel to distribution of freebies and cash by various political parties, instead of projecting their policies and programmes.

The Congress in alliance with DMK had stormed to power in the Puducherry assembly polls, securing a simple majority of 17 in the 30-member assembly.

Leaders of DMDK, MDMK, CPI, CPI(M) VCK and RSP in a statement said police and election machinery had not taken effective and immediate steps to prevent flow of money. This had enabled the parties indulging in unethical practices to go ahead and lure the electorate with gift articles and cash.

The parties also demanded that Income Tax authorities probe the flow of money and bring to task parties that had indulged in unethical practices during the elections.

It referred to the results of the Kerala Assembly polls, saying it showed how people wanted an alternative dispensation on the basis of policies and principles for their good. This type of stand would be of help for them and such a development would take place in Puducherry soon.

The parties also requested the Election Commission to introduce proportional representation system so that the election process would be rid of all the 'sad features' as seen now.

The statement said the PWA would continue to strive hard for the people's welfare and raise its voice whenever injustice was attempted by the powers that be here.

The PWA contested 28 constituencies, but drew a blank.