Raja.D

D. Raja, 33, is a post-graduate businessman running a hotel enterprise who has entered electoral politics as the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) candidate from Kilpennathur constituency in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. With declared assets of Rs. 31.19 lakhs and liabilities of Rs. 14.54 lakhs, Raja represents a new party founded by popular actor Vijay that is attempting to break the traditional DMK-AIADMK dominance in Tamil Nadu politics. There is limited public information available specifically about Raja as an individual candidate, with most coverage focusing on the TVK party's broader political positioning. TVK was founded by actor Vijay and held its first state-level conference in Vikravandi in October 2024, attracting over 800,000 people. The party positions itself on principles of secular social justice, explicitly rejecting right-wing politics while drawing inspiration from Ambedkar, Periyar, and Kamaraj. Vijay has accused the DMK government of corruption in the Tasmac liquor trade and called for independent investigations, positioning TVK as a clean alternative to established parties. The party's manifesto promises include Rs. 2,500 monthly assistance for women, educational loans, and support for new businesses. However, TVK has faced serious challenges including the tragic September 2025 Karur rally stampede that killed 41 people and injured around 100, leading to FIRs against party leaders for culpable homicide, though Vijay himself was not named. The party has also drawn criticism for online campaigns by supporters using fake accounts to target media outlets. In Kilpennathur, Raja faces incumbent DMK MLA K. Pitchandi, who won the seat in both 2016 and 2021, making this a challenging first electoral contest. Voters in Kilpennathur should know that Raja is part of an untested political formation with strong youth appeal but limited governance experience. While TVK offers a fresh alternative with welfare-focused promises, the party's organizational capacity and crisis management abilities remain unproven. Raja's personal political track record is yet to be established, and voters have little information about his specific plans for the constituency beyond the party's state-level manifesto.