Tamilselvan. M

M. Tamilselvan, 25, is the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) candidate for Cheyyar Assembly constituency in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections. A graduate professional from Tiruvannamalai district, his affidavit lists him as a practicing advocate in all courts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, though web sources describe him as a local businessman and community leader. With modest assets of Rs. 7.42 lakhs (all movable, no immovable property) and no liabilities or criminal cases, he represents NTK's youth-focused expansion strategy in a constituency historically dominated by the DMK. Tamilselvan's candidacy is part of NTK's ambitious strategy to contest all 234 constituencies in Tamil Nadu under party leader Seeman. The NTK has positioned itself as an alternative to traditional Dravidian politics, emphasizing Tamil nationalism, anti-corruption, and social justice themes. However, the party has faced significant controversies, including protests against films like 'Kingdom' that led to theater attacks and Madras High Court intervention, as well as leader Seeman facing sedition charges for comments on the Katchatheevu island dispute and controversial remarks targeting the Arundhathiyar community. Cheyyar, a rural agricultural constituency in Tiruvannamalai district, was won by DMK's Jothi O in 2021 with a margin of 12,271 votes over AIADMK. Tamilselvan faces an uphill battle in a DMK stronghold, competing against established parties including DMK, AIADMK, PMK, and Vijay's new TVK. The NTK's electoral track record shows zero seat wins despite contesting since 2011, including all 234 seats in 2021. The party's 2026 manifesto promises healthcare improvements, institutional reforms, and a 'Medical Tourism City' integrating traditional medicine. Voters should know that while Tamilselvan represents a young, new face in politics with a clean legal record, he carries virtually no individual political footprint or public presence beyond his party affiliation. His candidacy depends entirely on NTK's brand appeal and whether voters in Cheyyar are ready to move away from traditional Dravidian parties toward Tamil nationalist politics, despite the party's controversial tactics and zero legislative experience.