R. Siva

Ragavapillai Siva (born 29 April 1967) is an Indian politician and a prominent member of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). He served as the 13th Leader of the Opposition in the Puducherry Legislative Assembly and represented the Villianur constituency.

Political career Siva began his political journey as a member of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). He was first elected to the Puducherry Legislative Assembly in 1996, representing the Orleampeth constituency. He continued serving as a member of the assembly from 1996 to 2011 and again from 2016 to 2021. Throughout his political career, Siva has been known for his dedication to the people of Puducherry.

In the 2021 elections, Siva was elected from the Villianur constituency, marking his return to the Legislative Assembly after a brief hiatus. Following his election, he was appointed the Leader of the Opposition in the Puducherry Legislative Assembly on 8 May 2021. His leadership was recognized by DMK President M. K. Stalin, who also appointed him as the first secretary of the DMK, Puducherry unit.

Leadership in DMK Siva's political alignment has always been with the DMK, and under his leadership, the Puducherry unit has strengthened its presence. His appointment as the Leader of the Opposition reflects his political influence and his ability to lead the party through challenging times in the assembly.

Political Roles and Positions

+ Political Roles and Positions of R. Siva Role Constituency / Position Term Notes Leader of the Opposition Puducherry Legislative Assembly 8 May 2021 - 4 May 2026 Appointed after the 2021 elections by DMK President M. K. Stalin. Member of the Legislative Assembly Villianur 8 May 2021 – 4 May 2026 Won the 2021 Puducherry Assembly election. Member of the Legislative Assembly Orleampeth 1996 – 2011, 2016 – 2021 Served three consecutive terms (1996–2011) and one more (2016–2021). Secretary – Puducherry Unit Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) 8 May 2021 – present Appointed as DMK Puducherry unit secretary.

Electoral history Year ConstituencyParty Votes % OpponentParty Votes % Result Margin % 2026Villianur 15,000 38.12 B. Ravicoumar 16,970 43.13 1,970 5.01 2021 19,653 55.73 S.V. Sugumaran 12,703 36.02 6,950 19.71 2016Orleampeth 11,110 53.82G. Nehru Kuppusamy 8,130 39.38 2,980 14.44 2011 8,368 42.09 10,986 55.26 2,618 13.17 2006 8,509 52.67 6,549 40.54 1,960 12.13 2001 7,608 49.41 G. Chezhian 4,223 27.42 3,385 21.99 1996 8,105 49.16 K. Parasuraman 5,107 30.97 2,998 18.19