Embalam Selvam alias Selvam R

R Selvam, popularly known as Embalam Selvam, is the BJP candidate from Manavely and is seeking a second term in the 2026 Puducherry Assembly elections. Currently serving as the Speaker of the outgoing Assembly, he made history in 2021 by becoming the first BJP leader to hold the post in the Union Territory after winning his maiden election.

Selvam holds a Master’s degree in Political Science and began his political journey with the DMK, where he spent over three decades before joining the BJP. He has served as vice-president of the BJP's Puducherry unit. Beyond politics, he has been associated with sports administration, including roles in the Puducherry State Olympic Association, and runs the Puducherry Makkal Iyakkam Trust, which provides scholarships and financial aid to students.

His candidature reflects the BJP’s focus on combining administrative experience with local outreach as it looks to consolidate its position within the ruling NDA alliance in Puducherry.

Candidate Info: Embalam Selvam alias Selvam. R is the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate contesting from Manavely (General) Assembly constituency for the 2026 Puducherry Assembly elections. This male candidate is 61 years of age, according to the election affidavit submitted to the Election Commission of India.