R.Manoharan

R. Manoharan, 70, is a veteran politician from the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) representing Srirangam constituency in Tiruchirappalli district. A graduate who runs a xerox shop and engages in agriculture and social service, Manoharan has declared assets worth over Rs. 10 crore with liabilities of approximately Rs. 1 crore. He currently holds the position of chief government whip within the AIADMK legislative party. Manoharan's electoral record has been mixed. In the 2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election, he lost to DMK's M. Palaniyandi, securing 93,989 votes (39.52%) compared to his opponent's 113,904 votes (47.89%). The Srirangam seat has historically been competitive between AIADMK and DMK, with the AIADMK winning in 2016 through S. Valarmathi who secured 108,400 votes. Manoharan has been fielded again by AIADMK for the 2026 elections as the party signals an aggressive poll push with its NDA alliance. His career has not been without controversy. In April 2026, the Madras High Court disposed of a plea alleging that Manoharan distributed cash tokens to voters in the Harbour Assembly constituency during Tamil Nadu elections, noting that the Election Commission of India had registered an FIR and was investigating the matter. His affidavit declares one criminal case with charges under sections 189(2) for being a member of an unlawful assembly and 127(2) for wrongful confinement, though these are not classified as serious IPC charges. Voters in Srirangam should know that Manoharan is a long-time AIADMK loyalist with limited public visibility and minimal social media presence. While the AIADMK emphasizes welfare schemes including direct cash transfers, free bicycles for students, and farmer support as party leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami announced in March 2026, Manoharan faces the challenge of reclaiming a seat lost to the DMK in the previous election while addressing the controversy surrounding the cash distribution allegations.