Thangapandi Sr

S.R. Thangapandi, 46, is a farmer and vegetable business owner contesting from the Madurai West constituency on a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) ticket in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. With an 8th-grade education, he represents the grassroots profile that TVK, founded by actor Vijay in February 2024, appears to be promoting as it enters Tamil Nadu's competitive political landscape. His declared assets total approximately ₹2.44 crore (with movable assets of ₹1.45 crore and immovable assets of ₹99 lakhs), against liabilities of ₹86.69 lakhs, which appear consistent with his stated profession in farming and vegetable trading. Thangapandi faces three criminal cases related to unlawful assembly, rioting, wrongful restraint, public nuisance, and obstruction in public ways. The charges under sections 189(3), 147, 126(2), 292, 189(2), 270, and 285 suggest involvement in public order incidents, though none are classified as serious IPC offenses under Election Commission criteria. No additional criminal cases or controversies beyond the affidavit declaration were found in web searches, and there are no corruption allegations or legal issues specifically linked to him in available public records. As a completely new entrant to electoral politics with TVK, Thangapandi has no prior election record, political achievements, or development work that can be independently verified. There is virtually no media coverage, social media presence, or public statements available about him as an individual candidate. His candidacy appears to be part of TVK's broader strategy to field local candidates across Tamil Nadu constituencies as the party prepares for its first electoral test. Voters in Madurai West will be evaluating him largely as a representative of Vijay's new political venture rather than on any established individual track record.