In a significant political development, TVK candidate B Ramu emerged victorious from the Manavely constituency in Puducherry, defeating the incumbent BJP MLA Embalam Selvam by a margin of 3,093 votes. The result marks a major shift in the electoral landscape of this southern Puducherry constituency, which has seen varied political representation since its inception in 2011.
Constituency Profile
Manavely, located in the southern part of Puducherry, is characterized by small villages and farming communities. However, due to its proximity to the city, the area has gradually witnessed increasing residential and commercial development, transforming its demographic and economic dynamics.
Three-Cornered Contest
The April 9 assembly elections saw a three-cornered contest in Manavely. Incumbent MLA Embalam R Selvam represented the BJP as part of the NDA alliance, seeking to retain his position. Congress candidate RKR Anantharaman returned as the candidate for the SPA alliance after finishing second in the previous election. B Ramu contested on behalf of the TVK, adding further competition to an already tight race.
Historical Voting Patterns
Despite being a relatively new constituency, established only in 2011, Manavely has experienced diverse political representation. AIADMK's P Purushothaman won the inaugural election in 2011, followed by Congress leader R.K.R. Anantharaman in 2016. In 2021, BJP's Selvam secured a decisive victory with a margin of 8,132 votes, reflecting a strong shift in voter preference. That year, nearly 30,000 voters participated in the election.
High Voter Turnout
Voter turnout in the 2026 elections remained notably high, reaching 90.89% by 7 pm on April 9. Polling figures rose consistently throughout the day, starting at 16.26% at 9 am, increasing to 34.97% by 11 am, 54.19% at 1 pm, 70.53% by 3 pm, and 87.52% by 5 pm. This high turnout indicates strong civic engagement among the electorate.
The victory of TVK's B Ramu signals a changing political tide in Manavely, as the party continues to make inroads in the region. The defeat of BJP's Embalam Selvam, who had won by a large margin in 2021, underscores the volatile nature of the constituency's voter preferences.
