Palani. M

Palani M, 41, is a goldsmith by profession contesting from the Cheyyar constituency in Tiruvannamalai district on a Tamizhaga Vaazhvurimai Katchi (TVK) ticket. With a 10th standard education, he represents the party founded by actor Vijay, which is making its electoral debut in the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections. His declared assets stand at Rs. 27.57 lakhs (Rs. 8.57 lakhs movable and Rs. 19 lakhs immovable), with liabilities of Rs. 11.59 lakhs. He has one criminal case registered under IPC Section 351(3) related to threatening to cause death or grievous hurt. The Cheyyar constituency, which he is contesting, was won by DMK's O. Jothi in 2021 with 47.78% vote share, defeating AIADMK's candidate who secured 42.05%. The constituency is part of the Arani Lok Sabha seat and comprises portions of Cheyyar and Vembakkam taluks. TVK, Palani's party, is positioning itself as a major challenger to the DMK, claiming that AIADMK has lost electoral viability after losing 10 elections since 2017. While no specific information about Palani M's individual political work or controversies is available in public records, his party TVK has been active in advocating for Tamil-centric policies and social justice issues. The party walked out of the DMK alliance in March 2026 over unmet demands including a caste census and 10.5% quota for Vanniyars. TVK has also been involved in cultural advocacy, including demanding a ban on reality TV shows it considers harmful to Tamil culture. Voters in Cheyyar should note that Palani M is a first-time candidate from a newly formed party with no proven electoral track record. His modest asset declaration appears consistent with his declared profession as a goldsmith, and he carries one pending criminal case. As TVK makes its electoral debut, his candidacy represents an untested alternative in a constituency traditionally contested between DMK and AIADMK.