VP Ramalingam, the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) state chief in Puducherry, is contesting the Raj Bhavan constituency in the upcoming 2026 assembly elections. Voting for this seat took place on April 9, 2026. Ramalingam, who has been a significant figure in Puducherry politics, aims to lead the BJP's charge in the elections after assuming the state president role in June 2025. His candidacy is seen as a crucial test of his leadership within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the Union Territory. Ramalingam has garnered support primarily from the urban business community and traditional BJP voters in Heritage Town, where he is perceived as a direct link to the central government's development initiatives. This election marks his first major attempt to win a direct mandate, having previously served as a nominated Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) since 2021. His campaign is characterized by a vision for a 'New Puducherry,' focusing on urban infrastructure and tourism development, and he has received high-profile backing from union ministers during his campaign.