Nathiya

Nathiya Tamilselvan, 35, is the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) candidate for the Gandarvakottai (SC) constituency in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections. A post-graduate working as an agricultural laborer, she represents NTK's policy of fielding 50% women candidates and contesting independently without alliances. She faces one criminal case related to being part of an unlawful assembly and causing public obstruction, charges commonly associated with political protests. With assets of Rs. 7.72 lakhs and liabilities of Rs. 5.20 lakhs, her financial profile aligns with her declared profession. Gandarvakottai is a Scheduled Caste reserved seat in Pudukkottai district with approximately 194,732 registered electors. In the 2021 Assembly elections, CPI(M)'s M. Chinnadurai won with 44.65% votes, while NTK's M. Ramila secured 8.11% (12,661 votes), finishing fourth. Nathiya appears to be a new candidate for the constituency in 2026, part of NTK's broader strategy of contesting all 234 constituencies under leader Seeman's Tamil nationalist platform. The NTK has gained prominence in Tamil Nadu politics, securing around 8% vote share in recent elections and becoming eligible for state-party status after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The party advocates for Tamil nationalism, environmental conservation, farmers' rights, and social welfare while positioning itself as an alternative to mainstream Dravidian parties. However, the party has faced controversies including protests against the film "Kingdom" in August 2025 where NTK members threatened and disrupted theater screenings, and a fake NCC camp scandal in August 2024 organized by an NTK district youth wing secretary that resulted in sexual assault charges. Voters in Gandarvakottai should know that while Nathiya represents a party with clear ideological positions on Tamil identity and social justice, pre-poll surveys for 2026 predict NTK may win zero seats statewide despite its 4.9% projected vote share. Her candidacy reflects NTK's commitment to gender representation and grassroots mobilization, but the constituency has historically favored Left and Dravidian parties, with CPI(M) winning in 2021 and AIADMK maintaining significant presence.