K. Rajkumar

K. Rajkumar, 29, is a political newcomer representing Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) in the Arakkonam (SC) constituency. Despite having only a 10th standard education, he has built a real estate business worth approximately Rs. 76 lakhs by age 29, showing entrepreneurial capability. His entry into politics comes at a time when NTK is experiencing significant growth, having increased its statewide vote share from 1.1% in 2016 to 6.72% in 2021, making it the third-largest party in Tamil Nadu. The party's focus on Tamil nationalism, social equality, and anti-establishment politics has particularly resonated with younger voters and marginalized communities. In Arakkonam specifically, NTK's performance has been mixed - their 2021 candidate E. Abirami secured a respectable 8.62% vote share, a significant improvement from the 0.63% secured in 2016. Rajkumar faces established competitors from AIADMK, VCK, and newcomer TVK in what promises to be a competitive multi-cornered contest. Voters should know that while Rajkumar brings fresh perspective and represents a party with growing influence, he lacks legislative experience and will need to prove his ability to deliver on development promises in a constituency that requires focused attention on SC community issues.