Sivakumar. K

K. Sivakumar, 52, is a postgraduate professional in real estate contesting his first election from Salem (North) constituency on a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) ticket. With declared assets of approximately ₹9.49 crore (₹8.01 crore immovable and ₹1.48 crore movable) and liabilities of ₹1.47 crore, his financial profile aligns with his stated profession in real estate. He has no criminal cases declared in his affidavit. Sivakumar represents the newly formed TVK, founded by actor Vijay in 2024 as a secular, socially just alternative positioning itself against both the DMK and BJP. The party draws ideological inspiration from Periyar, Ambedkar, and Kamaraj, and has reported rapid growth with over 15 million members. TVK has actively criticized the ruling DMK government over alleged corruption, including demanding independent probes into Tasmac irregularities allegedly worth ₹1,000 crore and calling the DMK's ₹2,000 welfare payment to women a 'vote-buying tactic.' However, Sivakumar's candidacy comes at a challenging time for TVK. The party faces severe legal scrutiny following the tragic September 27, 2025 crowd crush at a Karur rally that killed 41 people and injured over 100. FIRs were filed against TVK leaders including the general secretary for culpable homicide, with allegations of deliberate delays, mismanagement, and failure to control overcrowding. Party founder Vijay himself has declared two pending FIRs in his election affidavit, though he was not named in the Karur case. Voters in Salem (North) should know that Sivakumar is a political newcomer with no prior electoral or governance track record. The constituency was previously held by R. Rajendran of DMK in 2016 and R. Mohan Raj of DMDK in 2011. His success will largely depend on TVK's ability to convert its reported grassroots enthusiasm into electoral gains while managing the organizational and legal challenges stemming from the Karur tragedy.