Karthe.M

M. Karthe is a 58-year-old graduate businessman and the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) candidate for Salem West constituency in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections. He has declared assets worth ₹101.64 crores, making him one of the wealthier candidates in the state. His affidavit lists diverse business interests including agriculture, dairy, mining, real estate, and positions as Managing Director of Viveka Refractories (P) Ltd and Chairman of Sri Pachiamman Arakattalai Trust, though these businesses have minimal public visibility or media coverage. Karthe is contesting from Salem West as part of PMK's alliance with the AIADMK and BJP-led NDA. The constituency was won by PMK's Arul Ramadas in 2021 with a margin of 21,499 votes, securing 49.07% of the vote share against DMK's A. Rajendran. Salem West includes parts of Omalur and Salem taluks and is considered a key urban seat. The PMK, founded by Dr. S. Ramadoss in 1989, primarily represents the Vanniyar community and has been part of various alliances over the years. The party has faced controversies, including being criticized by former Chief Minister Jayalalitha who likened it to a terrorist organization, and ongoing tensions between Vanniyars and Dalits due to conflicts between PMK and VCK leadership. Recently, the party has been affected by an internal leadership dispute, with Anbumani Ramadoss being expelled by his father S. Ramadoss in early 2026, which may impact electoral prospects. Local issues in Salem West include deteriorating groundwater quality in areas like Chettichavadi, protests against Tasmac outlets near bus stands, and demands for better sanitation and drainage infrastructure. Voters should know that while Karthe is a first-time candidate with substantial declared wealth, there is limited public information about his community work, political track record, or business activities. His success will likely depend on PMK's alliance strength, the party's traditional Vanniyar vote bank, and how effectively he addresses local issues like water quality and urban infrastructure in a constituency previously held by his party.