Mani Gounder

Mani Gounder, 72, is contesting from Kangayam constituency in Tamil Nadu on a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) ticket. A 12th pass educated businessman, he declares assets worth Rs. 16.81 crores, comprising primarily immovable property (Rs. 14.43 crores) and movable assets (Rs. 2.38 crores), with liabilities of Rs. 19.11 lakhs. His professional background is listed as joint business and rental income. Notably, there is no documented public profile, media coverage, or social media presence for Gounder in available sources. Gounder represents a new political party founded by actor Vijay on February 2, 2024. The TVK has been attempting to establish itself as a third alternative to the ruling DMK and opposition AIADMK in Tamil Nadu politics. The party held its second state-level conference in Madurai in August 2025, drawing significant crowds, and has been in discussions to bring in former AIADMK leaders O Panneerselvam and T T V Dhinakaran. However, the party has also faced serious challenges, including a fatal crowd crush in Karur on September 27, 2025 that killed 41 people, resulting in FIRs against TVK leaders for criminal negligence and mismanagement. Kangayam is located in the Kongu region of western Tamil Nadu, where the Gounder community holds significant political and economic influence. However, specific information about Mani Gounder's political activities, development work, or community engagement in Kangayam is absent from public records. His candidacy appears to be part of TVK's broader strategy to field candidates across Tamil Nadu for the 2026 assembly elections. Voters should note that this is a completely new candidate with no documented prior electoral history, public service record, or media presence. While his business background and substantial assets suggest financial stability, there is no available information about his vision for Kangayam, past community work, or political experience that would help voters assess his candidacy beyond party affiliation.