PUDUCHERRY: The reduction in the margin of victory for the ruling AINRC in the Indira Nagar by-poll by half is reflective of the five-month-old government. The victory margin which was 16,677 in the May 13 elections, came down to 8046 votes in the by-poll.The AINRC which contested in alliance with AIADMK at that time polled 20,685 votes. Contesting on its own strength, it secured 15,053 votes. On the other hand, Congress candidate V Arumugham who polled 5943 in the May 13 elections improved it to 7007 votes. Though the results were on expected lines, the margin of victory is intriguing. Generally in a by-election, the ruling party not only wins but improves its performance. The results of Tiruchy West by-election where the margin of victory for the ruling AIADMK was almost double also proves the fact.It is, therefore, a jolt to AINRC, especially considering the fact that it is a constituency well nurtured by Rangasamy. Though this time they contested on their own without the AIADMK alliance, yet it cannot be a reason for polled votes to come down. The AIADMK which practically has no base in the constituency managed to get 1578 votes. Even considering this, the AINRC’s performance has gone down.Their performance in Indira Nagar could be attributed to various reasons. One of them is that after the May 13 election many of the party’s poll promises have still not been fulfilled. In the neighbouring Tamil Nadu the AIADMK government immediately began implementing several election promises and in contrast, almost nothing has been initiated here expect announcements. The most important was reimbursement of fees for all CENTAC-sponsored students, free rice scheme and enhancement of old age pension. On the other hand, the deterioration of law and order and increase in murders have earned the displeasure of the people. To add to their problems, Education minister PML Kalyanasundaram got entangled in an impersonation case. The Chief Minister who is having to settle several problems besetting his government and the new party has not been able to give his full concentration to the government and that too at a time when the administration is suffering a financial crunch. He needs to mobilise funds to fulfil the election promises. Though he says that there are five years, people expected the fulfilment of at least some of the promises.
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