Tamilselvi

Tamilselvi, 48, is a first-time candidate from the Puthiya Tamilagam party contesting from Nanguneri constituency in Tamil Nadu's 2026 assembly elections. Declaring herself as literate with a profession of agricultural wages, she represents modest financial circumstances with declared assets of Rs. 1.21 lakhs and no immovable property. Her candidacy reflects Puthiya Tamilagam's grassroots approach in southern Tamil Nadu, though she has no prior electoral history. Puthiya Tamilagam, founded by K. Krishnasamy on December 15, 1997, focuses on advocating for the Devendra Kula Vellalar community and marginalized groups in southern districts like Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, and Virudhunagar. The party is contesting independently in the 2026 elections after having formed various alliances with AIADMK, DMK, and other parties over the years. Despite two decades of political activity, the party currently holds no seats in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. Nanguneri constituency presents a challenging electoral landscape for Tamilselvi. In the 2021 assembly elections, INC candidate Ruby R. Manoharan won with 75,902 votes (39.74%), defeating AIADMK and other parties. The 2026 race includes candidates from INC, AMMK, NTK, and other parties, making it a multi-cornered contest. The constituency has also been in news for the underperforming Nanguneri Special Economic Zone, which despite being established in 2001 and covering 985 acres, has struggled to attract investment and create promised employment opportunities. Voters should note that Tamilselvi has no documented public service record, media presence, or social media engagement. Her candidacy appears to be part of Puthiya Tamilagam's broader strategy to contest across southern Tamil Nadu constituencies, potentially as a vote-splitter in closely contested seats. With no criminal cases, controversies, or prior political experience, she represents a blank slate, though her ability to campaign effectively and address constituency issues remains untested.