A. Babu Mailan

A. Babu Mailan, 54, is contesting the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections from Royapuram constituency representing Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK). He declares his profession as Social Worker and President of ISWOT (Indian Seamens Welfare Organisation), suggesting work with maritime workers in the coastal constituency. With assets of ₹36.62 lacs but liabilities of ₹46.58 lacs, he carries a negative net worth of nearly ₹10 lacs, which raises questions about financial management for a social worker. Mailan is part of NTK's expanding political footprint in Tamil Nadu. The party, founded in 1958 and revived in 2010 by actor-director Seeman, has grown from 1.1% vote share in 2016 to 6.72% in 2021, emerging as the third largest party in the state. In the 2021 elections, Mailan secured 7,953 votes (6.61%) in Royapuram, finishing third behind DMK and AIADMK candidates. NTK appeals particularly to younger voters with its Tamil nationalist ideology, advocating for regional autonomy and positioning itself as an alternative to mainstream Dravidian parties. However, the party faces serious controversies that shadow its candidates. An NTK district youth wing secretary was arrested in 2024 for organizing a fake NCC camp where a 13-year-old girl was sexually assaulted and several girls were harassed. Party leader Seeman has been booked for defamation and faces FIRs for protests where NTK cadres threatened theater owners and vandalized film posters, prompting Madras High Court to condemn the disruption of artistic freedom. The party also draws criticism for its alleged pro-LTTE sympathies and hardline Tamil nationalism. Voters in Royapuram should weigh NTK's promise of decentralized governance, anti-corruption measures, and Tamil-centric policies against the party's controversial track record and Mailan's lack of disclosed prior electoral or governance experience. While NTK represents a growing political alternative, pre-poll surveys project it may not win seats in 2026 despite capturing around 4.9% vote share statewide.