Keerthivasan. R

Keerthivasan R is a 26-year-old advocate contesting from the KUNNAM constituency in Tamil Nadu on a Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) ticket. Despite extensive web searches, no specific information about Keerthivasan's individual political activities, professional career, or public work could be found, suggesting he is either a new entrant to politics or operates primarily at the grassroots level without significant media coverage. He has one criminal case registered against him under sections related to being part of an unlawful assembly, wrongful restraint, and committing public nuisance—charges that are relatively common for political activists involved in protests and demonstrations. Keerthivasan represents Naam Tamilar Katchi, a Tamil nationalist party founded in 1958 and revived in 2010 by controversial filmmaker-turned-politician Seeman. The party has been steadily gaining ground in Tamil Nadu politics, achieving state party recognition from the Election Commission in May 2025 after securing over 8% vote share in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. NTK's ideology centers on Tamil nationalism, regionalism, and environmentalism, often taking controversial positions including support for Tamil Eelam independence in Sri Lanka and advocating for the retrieval of Katchatheevu island from Sri Lanka. For the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, NTK has announced 234 candidates with party leader Seeman contesting from Karaikudi. The party's manifesto emphasizes decentralized governance, anti-drug measures, Tamil-centric policies, and reorganizing the Tamil economy around agriculture while rejecting welfare freebies in favor of government-led industries. The party has also made efforts to broaden its appeal by fielding candidates from diverse backgrounds including Brahmins, SC/ST members, and a transwoman from Villivakkam. Voters in KUNNAM should note that while Keerthivasan's party NTK has shown growing appeal among youth voters frustrated with traditional Dravidian parties, the lack of individual public track record makes it difficult to assess his specific capabilities or achievements. His declared assets of nearly ₹1 crore at age 26 are notably high for a young advocate, though this could potentially be explained by family wealth or inheritance. The criminal case against him appears related to political activism rather than serious criminal conduct, though voters should consider this alongside his overall profile.