Mohan. S

S. Mohan, 46, is an IT Manager at ICONPLC in Chennai who has entered electoral politics as the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) candidate for Oddanchatram constituency in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. With assets worth Rs. 2.14 crores and liabilities of Rs. 98.64 lakhs, Mohan represents the new wave of professionals entering politics through TVK, the recently formed party led by actor Vijay. He faces a formidable challenge in Oddanchatram, a traditional DMK stronghold where incumbent R. Sakkarapani has won five consecutive elections since 2001, most recently securing 54.51% of votes in 2021. Mohan's candidacy comes at a critical time for TVK, which is making its electoral debut in 2026 amid both promise and controversy. The party has attracted attention with an ambitious manifesto pledging monthly financial assistance for various groups, AI-driven governance, and economic transformation. However, TVK has been severely tarnished by the September 2025 Karur crowd crush incident during a party rally that killed 41 people, resulting in FIRs against party leadership for allegedly ignoring safety protocols. Other legal troubles include party members being booked for unauthorized temple entry and recording, reflecting organizational growing pains. Oddanchatram constituency, with 217,698 registered voters as of 2026, is economically centered around the second-largest vegetable market in Tamil Nadu. Key voter concerns include vegetable price volatility, market infrastructure, cold storage facilities, and labor welfare—issues that will require deep local knowledge and credibility. Mohan's campaign strategy appears focused on capitalizing on anti-establishment sentiment and appealing to younger voters disillusioned with traditional Dravidian parties. He has one declared criminal case under Section 427 IPC for mischief causing damage over Rs. 50. Voters should know that Mohan is an untested political newcomer facing a multi-cornered contest against the entrenched DMK incumbent, BJP's Vidiyal S. Sekar, and NTK's Pazha Ragupathi. His success depends largely on whether TVK can convert Vijay's celebrity appeal into ground-level organizational strength in a constituency with strong local economic interests and established political loyalties. The absence of a track record means voters are essentially backing the TVK brand and manifesto rather than proven individual performance.