D.Shanmugan

D. Shanmugan, 57, is a construction company professional and first-time political candidate contesting from Modakkurichi constituency in Erode district as part of the newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party. With assets worth ₹37.52 crores (₹31 crore immovable, ₹6.49 crore movable) and liabilities of ₹3.08 crores, Shanmugan represents TVK's entry into a constituency that saw a political shift in 2021 when BJP's C. Saraswathi won the seat, breaking AIADMK's hold since 2011. Shanmugan is part of TVK, founded by actor Vijay on February 2, 2024, which positions itself as a secular, socially just alternative to traditional Dravidian parties DMK and AIADMK. The party has drawn attention for its ideological alignment with Ambedkar, Periyar, and Kamaraj, and pre-poll surveys suggest TVK could win 6-12 seats with 19-24% vote share in the 2026 elections. However, the party faces significant challenges following the September 27, 2025 Karur crowd crush tragedy at a TVK rally that killed 41 people and injured over 100, leading to FIRs against party leaders including General Secretary N. Anand for culpable homicide and inadequate crowd management. The party has been embroiled in additional controversies including a February 2026 incident where a TVK leader attempted suicide in Madurai alleging ₹1.6 million fraud by a district secretary through a fake investment scheme, and accusations from DMK Minister M.R.K. Panneerselvam suggesting black money involvement. TVK founder Vijay himself has disclosed two pending FIRs in his 2026 election affidavit related to public disturbances during campaigning. Despite these challenges, TVK aims to capitalize on anti-incumbency sentiment and appeal to younger voters dissatisfied with existing parties. Voters in Modakkurichi should know that while Shanmugan personally has no criminal cases and brings business experience from the construction sector, he represents a party that is barely two years old, facing serious legal and reputational challenges even before its first electoral test. The constituency will see a multi-cornered contest with MDMK's Senthilnathan, BJP's Kirthika Shivkumar, and NTK's Arun Kumar also in the fray for the April 23, 2026 election.