The Communist Party of India on Wednesday promised to strive for securing full statehood for Pondicherry if voted to power.

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In its election manifesto released by party state secretary Na Ra Kalainathan in Pondicherry, the party also promised to hold local body elections at the earliest and obtain B2 status for Pondicherry town.

Efforts to find a solution to the vexed Cauvery water issue, ensuring uniform development of all the four regions of the Union territory, solution to the unemployment problem, protecting the welfare of unorganised sector, senior citizens, physically handicapped and scheduled tribes and provision of free house site pattas to freedom fighters are among the promises given by the party.

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The CPI is contesting a lone seat as part of the Congress-led Democratic Progressive Alliance in Pondicherry.

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Commenting on the statement of All India Congress Committee secretary B K Hariprasad that the Congress will form the government with the outside support of alliance partners, Kalainathan said the formation of a government is a matter to be decided after the election. As far as the CPI is concerned, it is for a government headed by the Congress, he added.