Selvabharathi. R.

R. Selvabharathi is a 38-year-old advocate and postgraduate contesting from the Attur (SC) constituency in Tamil Nadu as a candidate of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), a newly formed political party founded by actor Vijay on February 2, 2024. This marks Selvabharathi's electoral debut as TVK contests all 234 seats in Tamil Nadu independently without alliances, fielding 24 women candidates in its first-ever election. Attur is a Scheduled Caste reserved constituency previously represented by AIADMK, DMK, and INC, with the current sitting MLA being A.P. Jayasankaran from AIADMK elected in 2021. However, Selvabharathi's candidacy comes with serious legal concerns. His affidavit declares two criminal cases involving IPC Section 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property) and Section 406 (criminal breach of trust), both serious economic offenses that raise questions about financial conduct. These charges are particularly significant for a practicing advocate, though no details about the cases or their current status are publicly available. His financial declaration shows assets of Rs. 41.28 lakhs entirely in movable property with zero immovable assets, and liabilities of Rs. 29.85 lakhs, leaving a modest net worth of Rs. 11.43 lakhs for someone of his age and profession. Selvabharathi rides the wave of TVK's anti-establishment appeal targeting youth and voters disillusioned with traditional Dravidian parties. The party's manifesto promises ambitious welfare schemes including financial assistance for homemakers and unemployed graduates, free electricity and LPG cylinders, and AI-driven governance aiming for a $1.5 trillion economy by 2036. However, TVK has faced significant setbacks including the tragic September 2025 Karur rally stampede that killed 41 people and injured around 100, allegations of Model Code violations, and questions about whether popularity can translate into seats against entrenched political machinery. Voters in Attur should weigh TVK's fresh political narrative and welfare promises against the serious criminal charges facing their candidate involving allegations of cheating and breach of trust, the lack of transparency about these cases, and the party's inexperience in governance despite its energetic campaign. As a first-time candidate with no track record in public service or community work, Selvabharathi represents both the promise of political renewal and the risks of unproven leadership with troubling legal questions.