A. Johnkumar, a leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is contesting the 2026 Puducherry assembly election from the Mudaliarpet seat. Known for being one of the wealthiest legislators in the Union Territory, he has a reputation for winning by significant margins. Johnkumar transitioned from the Congress party to the BJP in 2021 and is viewed as a key player in the BJP's strategy to secure 10 seats in the upcoming elections. His primary support base includes the business community, the Christian minority, and urban poor, bolstered by his philanthropic initiatives and personal investment in local projects. Born in 1965 into a business family, he has made a name for himself despite lacking formal higher education. Johnkumar's political journey includes a notable exit from Congress just before the 2021 elections, claiming it was for the integrated development of Puducherry. The election results are set to be announced on May 4, 2026.