K. Rengan

K. Rengan, 61, is contesting the Pudukkottai Lok Sabha constituency on a Puthiya Tamilagam ticket. He describes himself as a retired government employee with declared assets of approximately Rs. 60.63 lakhs, including movable assets of Rs. 20.63 lakhs and immovable assets worth Rs. 40 lakhs. He carries liabilities of Rs. 19 lakhs. His affidavit shows no criminal cases or serious charges against him. Despite being a parliamentary candidate, Rengan maintains an extremely low public profile with no verifiable online presence, media interviews, or documented political activities. This is unusual for a Lok Sabha candidate in the digital age. His party, Puthiya Tamilagam, was founded by K. Krishnasamy on December 15, 1997, with a focus on social equity, Dalit rights, and nationalism. The party has historically operated in southern Tamil Nadu, particularly in constituencies like Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, and Ottapidaram. Puthiya Tamilagam has a checkered electoral history, having formed alliances with major parties including AIADMK, DMK, and the NDA at various times. The party achieved its best Assembly performance in 2011 when it won two seats, but has never won a Lok Sabha seat. The party is preparing for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections with Krishnasamy planning to contest from Ottapidaram again. Voters in Pudukkottai should note that while Rengan's financial declarations appear modest and consistent with a retired government employee's profile, and he has a clean criminal record, there is virtually no information available about his political experience, grassroots work, policy positions, or campaign promises. This lack of public visibility raises questions about his preparedness and experience for a parliamentary role representing over a million constituents.