M. Anusiya

M. Anusiya, 31, is a postgraduate and housewife contesting from the Ottapidaram (SC) constituency in Tamil Nadu on a Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) ticket in the 2026 Assembly elections. She represents a party that has been steadily gaining ground in Tamil Nadu politics, with NTK increasing its vote share from 1.06% in 2016 to 6.89% in 2021, though it has not yet won any assembly seats. Anusiya is a first-time candidate with declared assets of Rs. 60.35 lakhs and no criminal cases. She steps into a constituency where NTK's previous candidate secured 12.6% votes in 2021, finishing third. The Ottapidaram constituency has historically been contested between DMK and AIADMK, with NTK emerging as a third force. In the 2019 by-election, NTK candidate M. Akalya received 8,666 votes (5.09%), while in 2021, M. Vaikundamari improved the party's performance to 22,413 votes. Anusiya's candidacy is part of NTK's strategy to field candidates across all 234 constituencies in Tamil Nadu, led by party chief Seeman who contests from Karaikudi. NTK, founded in 1958 and currently recognized as a state party by the Election Commission of India, advocates for Tamil nationalism, decentralized governance, anti-drug measures, and Tamil-centric policies. The party has been noted for its inclusive approach, fielding candidates from various communities. However, despite increasing vote shares, NTK's inability to convert votes into seats remains a challenge. Voters in Ottapidaram should note that while Anusiya is a newcomer with no political track record to evaluate, she represents a party that has been gaining momentum as an alternative voice in Tamil Nadu politics. With no controversies or criminal cases, and reasonable financial declarations, her candidacy offers a fresh face, though her inexperience and her party's lack of legislative representation may be considerations for voters seeking proven governance experience.