Selva.Nanmaaran

SelvaNanmaaran, 43, is a practicing advocate and the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) candidate for the Kulithalai Assembly constituency in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections. He represents a party that has seen significant growth in recent years, with its vote share increasing from just 1.1% in 2016 to 8.19% in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, making it eligible for state-recognized party status. The NTK, led by former film director Seeman, promotes Tamil nationalism and positions itself as an alternative to traditional Dravidian parties, advocating for Tamil identity, cultural preservation, and regional autonomy while rejecting alliances with other political formations. However, SelvaNanmaaran's candidacy comes with serious legal concerns. His affidavit declares three criminal cases involving grave charges under the Indian Penal Code: sections 147 and 148 (rioting and armed rioting), 353 (assault on public servant), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons), 379 (theft), and 384 (extortion). These are not minor infractions but serious offenses involving violence, property crimes, and obstruction of public duty. The party itself has been embroiled in recent controversies, including protests against the film 'Kingdom' that led to theater disruptions and the arrest of 16 NTK cadres, as well as a disturbing case where an NTK youth wing district secretary was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl at a fake NCC camp. Financially, SelvaNanmaaran declares assets worth Rs. 1.77 crores (movable: Rs. 1.37 crores, immovable: Rs. 40 lakhs) with liabilities of Rs. 48.4 lakhs, which appears consistent with his profession as an advocate. The NTK's 2026 manifesto emphasizes decentralization with five capital cities, declaring farming a national occupation, environmental protection, and retaining 75% of GST revenue in Tamil Nadu. The party has announced candidates for all 234 constituencies, refusing to form alliances and criticizing both national and regional parties for what it calls 'anti-people policies.' Voters in Kulithalai should weigh the NTK's growing appeal among youth and its Tamil nationalist agenda against the serious criminal charges facing their candidate and the recent controversies surrounding party members. While the party projects itself as a principled alternative free from corruption and caste discrimination, the criminal cases involving violence and property crimes raise legitimate questions about the candidate's conduct and judgment.