R Paulraj

R. Paulraj, 38, is a dentist-turned-politician representing the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) from Alangulam constituency in Tamil Nadu. As a graduate professional with assets worth Rs 1.57 crores, he represents a growing trend of educated professionals joining the Tamil nationalist party founded by filmmaker-politician Seeman. His declaration of 4 criminal cases involving charges related to unlawful assembly, disobedience to public orders, and acts likely to spread infection suggests active participation in the party's protest movements and civil disobedience campaigns. The NTK has shown remarkable growth in Tamil Nadu politics, increasing its vote share from 3.91% in 2019 to 8.19% in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, positioning itself as an alternative to the traditional DMK-AIADMK duopoly. In Alangulam specifically, the party's vote share jumped from 1.29% in 2016 to 7.15% in 2021, indicating growing local support. However, despite this growth, the party has yet to win any seats and recent polls predict it may struggle to convert vote share into electoral victories in 2026. Paulraj enters politics at a time when his party is gaining traction among youth disillusioned with mainstream Dravidian parties, but also faces criticism for its uncompromising stance and involvement in various protests. The party's refusal to form alliances and its focus on Tamil nationalism appeals to a specific voter base but may limit broader electoral success. Voters in Alangulam should consider whether they want a representative from a growing but protest-prone party that has yet to demonstrate governance experience.