Arumugam. C

Arumugam C., 44, is an independent candidate from the Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni constituency in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. A painter by profession with basic literacy, he represents a working-class candidature in one of Chennai's most politically significant constituencies. With declared assets of just Rs. 1.27 lakhs—all movable with no immovable property—his financial profile reflects his modest economic background. His candidacy comes with serious legal concerns. His affidavit discloses two criminal cases with multiple serious charges including kidnapping for ransom, rioting, wrongful restraint, and voluntarily causing hurt with dangerous weapons. These are non-bailable offenses that raise significant questions about his suitability for public office, though he is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. Arumugam is contesting in Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni, a traditional DMK fortress that has been represented by party stalwarts including former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. The constituency is currently held by Udhayanidhi Stalin, who won with nearly 69% of votes in 2021. Despite being in the electoral fray, Arumugam has left no discernible footprint in public discourse, media coverage, or online platforms—an unusual situation for any candidate in a high-profile Chennai constituency. Voters should note that while independent candidates can bring fresh perspectives outside party structures, Arumugam's complete absence from public records, combined with serious pending criminal charges and minimal financial resources, raises questions about his campaign viability and capacity to serve the constituency effectively. His motivation for contesting and his policy positions remain unknown due to the lack of any documented public engagement or media interaction.