Puducherry: The Raj Bhavan constituency, widely regarded as the political and administrative heart of Puducherry, has become one of the most closely watched seats in the upcoming Assembly elections scheduled for 9 April 2026.

As part of the Union Territory’s single-phase polling, preparations in the constituency are in their final stages, with authorities setting up 27 polling booths to ensure a smooth voting process.

Multi-cornered contest intensifies

The constituency is witnessing a high-stakes contest involving both seasoned politicians and first-time candidates. The Bharatiya Janata Party’s V P Ramalingam, contesting as part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), faces strong competition from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam’s Vignesh Kannan and the Congress party’s R Kumaran, both aligned with the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA).

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Adding another dimension to the race is V J Chandran, a former IPS officer representing Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK). His entry is expected to influence voter dynamics in what is already a tightly contested seat.

Observers have also pointed to signs of internal friction within the SPA, as both the DMK and Congress have fielded candidates in the same constituency despite being alliance partners.

A strategically significant seat

Traditionally considered a stronghold of the All India N.R. Congress (AINRC), the Raj Bhavan seat was allocated to the BJP as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its presence in Puducherry’s administrative centre.

The constituency includes prominent areas such as White Town (the French Quarter), Promenade Beach, and several heritage landmarks that drive the region’s tourism economy. It also encompasses the coastal village of Vaithikuppam, bringing the concerns of the fishing community into the electoral spotlight.

Local issues dominate campaign

Key voter concerns in the constituency include traffic congestion, ageing drainage infrastructure, and rising energy costs. The rapid growth of tourism has led to overcrowded streets, particularly in heritage zones, prompting discussions around multi-level parking and pedestrian-only areas.

Residents have also highlighted persistent issues with sewage systems, which often overflow during the monsoon season. Meanwhile, small businesses and eateries are grappling with the impact of the ongoing energy crisis and are seeking government support to manage rising operational costs.

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Women voters, numbering 11,431, outnumber male voters at 9,616, making them a significant demographic in the constituency.

Electoral history and stakes

In the 2021 Assembly elections, AINRC candidate K. Lakshminarayanan won the seat with a margin of 3,732 votes, securing over 51 per cent of the vote share. DMK’s S P Sivakumar finished second.

The broader 2021 results saw AINRC emerge as the largest party with 10 seats, followed by the DMK with six, while both the BJP and Congress secured six seats each. Voter turnout stood at 84.8 per cent.