V P Ramalingam Elected Unopposed as BJP Puducherry Head

Puducherry, June 30 (PTI) — V P Ramalingam, a former nominated legislator of the Puducherry Assembly, has been elected unopposed as the new head of the BJP’s unit in the union territory. This announcement was made at the party headquarters on Monday.

Ramalingam's election was uncontested as he was the only nominee, and the deadline for filing nominations closed on June 29. With no other candidates in the fray, he was declared elected unopposed, according to party sources.

A businessman and realtor by profession, Ramalingam also holds a diploma in a technical field. At 63, he embarked on his political journey with the Congress but shifted to the BJP in 2021 when the party became an alliance partner in the government led by N Rangasamy.

Notable figures who extended their congratulations include BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh, Puducherry Home Minister A Namassivayam, as well as party legislators and office bearers from Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam. Ramalingam was among the three nominated legislators who resigned from the Puducherry Assembly on June 27, following directives from the party high command.

The party is poised to induct new nominated legislators on July 2, party sources indicated.