Menaka. V

V. Menaka, 28, is a first-time candidate contesting from the Avanashi (SC) constituency in Tamil Nadu's 2026 Assembly elections on a Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) ticket. Working as an Administrative Assistant at Shakti Hospital, she represents a younger generation entering politics through a party known for its Tamil nationalist ideology. With declared assets of Rs. 5.81 lakh and no criminal cases, she enters a competitive race in a reserved SC constituency with 250,346 registered electors. Menaka's party, NTK, was founded in 1958 and is currently led by filmmaker-activist Seeman. The party advocates for Tamil cultural identity, social justice, and has taken controversial stances including support for Tamil Eelam in Sri Lanka. For the 2026 elections, NTK has chosen to contest all 234 seats independently, positioning itself as an alternative to the dominant DMK-AIADMK duopoly. In Avanashi, Menaka faces established politicians including Dr. Gokilamani from DMK, Union Minister L. Murugan from BJP, and S. Kamali from the newly formed TVK. The party has been embroiled in several controversies, most notably when leader Seeman was booked under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act for allegedly singing a defamatory song with caste-based references during a campaign. NTK members also protested the film 'Kingdom,' leading to the Madras High Court directing police protection for theaters. Despite these issues, the party maintains a strong social media presence and appeals to youth frustrated with traditional politics. Voters should note that while Menaka's personal record appears clean with no declared criminal cases, she is a political newcomer with no prior electoral experience. Her candidacy reflects NTK's strategy of fielding fresh faces, but specific information about her community work, policy positions, or local connections in Avanashi remains unavailable in public records. The Avanashi contest is described as a tight race with young challengers taking on established leaders.