S.Vijayakumar

S. Vijayakumar, 56, is a self-employed graduate professional contesting the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections from Gummidipoondi constituency on a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) ticket. His political journey reflects the shifting dynamics of Tamil Nadu politics, having previously affiliated with the DMK before joining actor Vijay's newly formed TVK party launched in February 2024. With declared assets of approximately Rs. 3.64 crore and liabilities of Rs. 1.03 crore, Vijayakumar represents the TVK's strategy to expand into northern Tamil Nadu constituencies traditionally dominated by Dravidian parties. Vijayakumar's electoral history shows a pattern of political repositioning. He contested the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections from Gummidipoondi as a DMK candidate but lost to T.J. Govindarajan, also of the DMK, who secured 56.94% of the vote. This loss preceded his switch to the TVK, a party positioning itself as a centrist-left alternative rejecting alliances with both BJP and DMK. The constituency itself has seen fluctuating political loyalties, with AIADMK candidate K.S. Vijayakumar (a different individual) winning in 2016 with 41.68% and in 2006 with 40.41%. The TVK, founded by popular actor Vijay, aims to challenge the DMK-AIADMK duopoly by advocating for social justice, secularism, and egalitarianism. Vijayakumar's candidacy in Gummidipoondi represents the party's attempt to penetrate traditional DMK strongholds and capitalize on anti-incumbent sentiment. However, his individual public profile remains limited, with minimal documentation of specific development work, community initiatives, or social media engagement. The 2026 elections scheduled for April 9, with results on May 4, will test whether Vijay's star power can translate into electoral success for relatively unknown party candidates like Vijayakumar in a crowded field that includes established politicians from DMK, AIADMK, PMK, and NTK. Voters in Gummidipoondi should note that Vijayakumar brings a history of party switching and electoral loss, with no declared criminal cases but also limited evidence of concrete development work or legislative experience. His appeal rests primarily on his association with the TVK brand and Vijay's popularity rather than an established track record of constituency service.