Mahesh.R

R. Mahesh, 60, is a practicing advocate and DMK candidate from the Kanniyakumari constituency in Tamil Nadu. With assets declared at approximately Rs 3.83 crore and liabilities of Rs 33.4 lakhs, his financial profile appears consistent with a senior legal professional entering electoral politics. His affidavit shows no criminal cases, presenting a clean legal record as he contests for the assembly seat. Mahesh has positioned himself as a development-focused candidate, actively campaigning alongside Chief Minister MK Stalin and emphasizing governance issues over what he describes as baseless opposition allegations. He has campaigned on the DMK's 2026 manifesto promises, which include an Rs 8,000 scheme for women, doubling monthly financial aid to Rs 2,000, and providing 35 lakh free laptops to students. His campaign has received support from alliance partners including Congress and Left parties, and he has expressed confidence in the alliance securing over 200 seats. However, Mahesh's candidacy comes at a time when the DMK government faces serious corruption allegations. Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai has accused the government of an Rs 888-crore cash-for-jobs scam in the Municipal Administration department, claiming 2,538 posts were sold for Rs 35 lakh each. The Madras High Court has directed the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption to register an FIR based on ED dossiers, though these allegations do not directly implicate Mahesh himself. Voters in Kanniyakumari should note that while Mahesh presents as a fresh face with a clean personal record and professional legal background, he is part of a government currently under investigation for alleged corruption. His campaign focuses on development promises, but scrutiny of the party's governance record and delivery on past commitments will be important factors for informed voting decisions.