Mahalingam . T

D. M. Mahalingam (also referred to as T. Mahalingam), 48, is a first-time election candidate contesting from the Bhuvanagiri constituency in Cuddalore district for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. A 12th pass graduate, he serves as Managing Director of Angeeswari Chit Funds P Ltd and M.A. Nayara Agency, declaring assets worth ₹11.65 crore (movable: ₹8.12 crore, immovable: ₹3.53 crore) with liabilities of ₹2.72 crore. He has one criminal case registered against him (Cr. No. 504/2021 at Sthiyathopu Police Station, Bhuvanagari Taluk), though details of the charges are not publicly disclosed. Mahalingam represents Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), a newly formed political party founded on February 2, 2024, by popular Tamil film actor Vijay. The party is making its electoral debut by contesting all 234 constituencies independently without alliances. In the 2021 election, Bhuvanagiri was won by AIADMK's A. Arunmozhithevan with 96,453 votes (48.92%) against DMK's Durai K. Saravanan who received 88,194 votes (44.73%), indicating a competitive constituency with a narrow 4.19% victory margin. As a political newcomer, Mahalingam has no documented track record of development work, electoral history, or public service. His candidacy appears to be riding on TVK's ambitious manifesto promises that include ₹2,500 monthly assistance for homemakers, 5 lakh government jobs, 50% farmer debt relief, free health check-ups, and 200 units of free electricity monthly. However, the parent party faced severe criticism following a September 2025 crowd crush at a TVK rally in Karur that killed 41 people and injured 100, raising questions about organizational capacity and safety protocols. Voters should note that Mahalingam brings business experience from the financial services sector but lacks proven governance or public administration experience. As a candidate from an untested party making its first electoral attempt, his campaign's credibility rests heavily on TVK founder Vijay's personal popularity rather than established political credentials or a demonstrated track record of community service in Bhuvanagiri constituency.