Nallathambi. A

A. Nallathambi, 61, is the current MLA representing the Gangavalli (SC reserved) constituency in Tamil Nadu's Salem district. A farmer by profession with education up to 5th standard, he won his first assembly election in May 2021 on an AIADMK ticket, securing 47.89% of votes against DMK's J. Rekha Priyadharshini who got 43.96% — a relatively narrow margin of less than 4% in what is considered an AIADMK stronghold. Son of Angamuthu, Nallathambi represents the party's grassroots political base in the region. His affidavit declares assets worth Rs. 79.16 lakhs (movable assets of Rs. 46.66 lakhs and immovable assets of Rs. 32.50 lakhs) with liabilities of Rs. 10.89 lakhs, which appears consistent with his declared agricultural profession. However, his affidavit also lists 3 criminal cases with multiple charges including unlawful assembly (IPC §143), wrongful restraint (§341, §126), negligent act likely to spread infection of disease (§269), refusal to disclose printer information (§182), and public nuisance (§292). These charges appear to stem from incidents related to assembly restrictions and public health concerns, though none are classified as serious IPC offenses. Nallathambi's tenure as MLA has seen remarkably low public visibility, with no social media presence and minimal news coverage of constituency work or development initiatives. Gangavalli is home to Tamil Nadu's second-largest vegetable market, and local traders have raised demands for better infrastructure, indicating ongoing constituency needs. As AIADMK contests the 2026 elections as part of the NDA alliance, Nallathambi seeks re-election from a constituency the party has historically dominated. Voters should note the combination of criminal charges on his record, his limited educational background which may affect legislative contributions, and the apparent lack of visible public engagement or documented achievements during his five-year tenure as MLA. His narrow victory margin in 2021 suggests the constituency is increasingly competitive despite AIADMK's historical advantage.