V Narayanasamy became Chief Minister on June 6, formed a six member ministry with support of DMK
It will be a crucial test for Congress nominee and Chief Minister V Narayanasamy, a non- member of the house, at today's bypoll in Nellithope assembly constituency today when he crosses swords with AIADMK candidate Om Sakthi Segar.
Mr Narayanasamy has the support of DMK and VCK while AINRC, whose founder N Narayanasamy is the leader of the opposition, is backing Mr Segar.
The bypoll is being held to fill vacancy caused by the resignation of Congress legislator A John Kumar on September 15 to facilitate Mr Narayanasamy, a non-member of the house, to contest the poll and get elected to the assembly to fulfill the constitutional obligation.
Mr Narayanasamy became Chief Minister on June 6 and formed a six member ministry under his leadership with the support of DMK (having two members) from outside.
The strength of Congress in the 30 member assembly was 15 before John Kumar quit the post of MLA.
Campaigning had gathered steam over the last one month, with Mr Narayanasamy stressing that Puducherry had scope for big development and that this potential was 'wasted' during the previous AINRC rule.
He had also said that the Congress government had come out with a new industrial policy which would add to the fast industrialisation and assured voters that no stone would be left unturned to measure upto their expectations.
AINRC founder and leader of the opposition N Rangasamy had urged voters to ensure Segar's win and `teach a lesson to Narayanasamy".
He had opined that the bypoll was forced on people by Mr Narayanasamy as he has been hankering after power and office`.
A team of AIADMK ministers from Tamil Nadu have also camped in the constituency to meet voters in a bid to register their backing to the party nominee.
AICC General Secretary Mukul Wasnik was among those who campaigned for Mr Narayanasamy,bringing to focus his 'capability' to ensure full fledged development of the union territory.
DMK treasurer and Leader of the opposition in Tamil Nadu Assembly M K Stalin who had also campaigned for Mr Narayanasamy, said Puducherry would witness faster development particularly in maintenance of law and order through his stewardship.
He had also said a Global Investors Meet would take place as promised by the CM and jobs would be generated for youth.
The constituency has a total strength of 31,366 voters.
There are a total of eight contestants in the fray.
All 26 polling stations have been declared vulnerable and are being monitored by Central Armed police personnel, the Chief Electoral Officer V Candavelou had said.