Dr.Padmarajan. K

Dr. K. Padmarajan, 65, is India's most unique political figure—a qualified homeopathic doctor and tire shop owner from Mettur who has contested and lost 238+ elections since 1988, earning him entries in both the Guinness Book of World Records and Limca Book of Records. Unlike typical politicians, Padmarajan openly declares he has no intention of winning; he files nominations but never campaigns, telling voters not to vote for him. His stated goal is to set world records for maximum election contests and to inspire democratic participation through his example of persistent engagement with the electoral process. Padmarajan's electoral journey spans local, state, and national levels—he has contested Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and even Presidential and Vice-Presidential elections, always as an independent candidate. His best performance came in the 2011 Mettur Assembly election where he secured 6,273 votes, while his 2006 attempt garnered only 1,454 votes (1.05%). In 2014, he made national headlines by contesting against Narendra Modi in Vadodara. Despite spending over Rs. 12 lakhs on filing nominations across his campaigns, his declared assets of Rs. 15.17 lakhs raise questions about funding sources. His unconventional approach has made him a folk figure in Tamil Nadu politics—simultaneously respected for his democratic commitment and viewed as an eccentric curiosity. He maintains social media presence through 'Padmarajan Electionking' accounts on Facebook and Instagram. At 65, he shows no signs of stopping, having announced plans to contest the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections from Mettur. While critics question the seriousness of his candidacies, supporters see him as a symbol of democratic access and perseverance. Voters in Mettur should know that Dr. Padmarajan is not a conventional candidate seeking governance responsibilities. His candidacy is self-described as record-seeking rather than power-seeking, which raises legitimate questions about whether he represents a genuine political alternative or a symbolic participant in the electoral process.