**Charles Martin Promises Rs 100 Crore for Puducherry Development if Elected**
In a bold move ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, Charles Martin, leader of the Latchiya Jananayaga Katchi (LJK) and brother-in-law of TVK leader Aadhav Arjuna, has pledged to invest Rs 100 crore of his personal funds into the development of Puducherry if he secures victory. With the elections fast approaching, Martin unveiled a comprehensive set of campaign promises, emphasizing women’s empowerment through six significant welfare initiatives.
Martin criticized the current government’s financial support for women, stating, “While the government promised Rs 2,000, I have heard that not a single rupee has been distributed in the last three months. Therefore, I plan to increase this amount to Rs 4,000 monthly, totaling Rs 50,000 annually.” He also announced that women from Below Poverty Line families would receive Rs 1 lakh and 10 grams of gold for marriage, along with six free LPG gas cylinders. Additionally, pregnant women would be granted Rs 35,000 and a health kit to ensure proper child development, while destitute and unmarried women would receive Rs 60,000 each year.
Highlighting the importance of education in empowering women, Martin proposed an education fund for mothers. “Education is crucial for children, and parents often incur debts to send them to private schools. I assure you that I will enhance the quality of government schools, and for those who enroll their children in these schools, mothers will receive Rs 20,000,” he stated.
Martin also committed to increasing political and administrative representation for women. “In Puducherry, there is only one female representative among 30 constituencies and three nominated seats. Our party will reserve six seats for women, and we will ensure that 50% of local body elections and government jobs are allocated to women,” he added.
Describing his proposed schemes as realistic, Martin said, “I am announcing six important initiatives that are entirely achievable. I have designed them with the perspective of a brother, father, and uncle in mind. I am confident that you will support us, and we will implement these schemes.”
With Puducherry’s population at approximately 12.5 lakh, where women make up 50.9%, Martin estimated that fulfilling these promises would require a minimum annual budget of Rs 1,500 crore, which he believes is “definitely achievable.”
**FAQ**
**What are Charles Martin’s key promises for women’s empowerment in Puducherry?**
Charles Martin has promised to increase financial support for women, provide marriage assistance, enhance education funding, and ensure greater political representation for women if elected in the 2026 Assembly elections.
