S. Thiyagarajan

S. Thiyagarajan, 37, is a first-time political candidate contesting from Chengalpattu constituency in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections on a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) ticket. A graduate professional working as self-employed, Thiyagarajan has declared assets worth ₹81.48 lakhs with no criminal cases. He represents TVK, a newly formed regional party founded by actor Vijay on February 2, 2024, which is making its electoral debut by contesting all 234 seats independently without alliances. Thiyagarajan faces an uphill battle in Chengalpattu, a constituency that has historically leaned toward DMK, with M. Varalakshmi (DMK) winning in both 2016 and 2021. His key opponents include M. K. D. Karthik Dhandapani from the Secular Progressive Alliance (likely DMK) and M. Gajendran from AIADMK+. While TVK's welfare-focused manifesto promises attractive schemes including ₹2,500 monthly assistance for homemakers, ₹4,000 for unemployed graduates, 200 units of free electricity, and interest-free loans up to ₹5 lakh for women, the party faces serious credibility concerns. The September 27, 2025 Karur rally tragedy casts a long shadow over TVK's campaign. At least 41 people died and around 100 were injured during a political rally hosted by Vijay due to crowd mismanagement and delayed arrival. The CBI has taken over the probe, filing an FIR against TVK leadership including general secretary N. Anand for culpable homicide, endangering lives, and disobeying lawful orders. Vijay has been questioned twice by the CBI, and the investigation continues to examine decision-making processes and the role of local authorities. Voters in Chengalpattu should consider Thiyagarajan as part of a new political experiment challenging the traditional DMK-AIADMK duopoly. While he personally has no criminal record and presents a clean affidavit, his party is navigating serious legal challenges and organizational questions about safety and governance. His success will depend on whether voters prioritize TVK's welfare promises and fresh alternative appeal over concerns about organizational capacity and the ongoing tragedy investigations.