Karikalapandiyan.A

Karikalapandiyan.A, 46, is contesting from the Srivilliputhur (SC) constituency in Tamil Nadu as a candidate of Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) in the 2026 Assembly elections. A graduate professional engaged in agriculture, he declares assets of Rs. 21.61 lakhs with liabilities of Rs. 12 lakhs. Notably, his affidavit declares 3 criminal cases including a serious charge under Section 307 IPC (Attempt to Murder) and Section 288 IPC (Negligent conduct with explosive substance), though specific details about these cases are not publicly available. His party, NTK, founded in 1958 and revived in 2010 by actor-turned-politician Seeman, has been experiencing significant growth in Tamil Nadu politics. The party advocates for Tamil nationalism and positions itself as an alternative to traditional Dravidian parties. In the 2021 Assembly elections, NTK secured 6.72% of the state vote share, becoming the third-largest party. In Srivilliputhur specifically, the party's previous candidate B. Abinaya garnered 20,348 votes (11.10%) in 2021, showing substantial growth from earlier elections. Very limited biographical information about Karikalapandiyan.A is publicly available, with no documented record of previous electoral contests, party positions, or community work. The constituency of Srivilliputhur, a reserved SC seat, falls under the Tenkasi Lok Sabha constituency and was won by AIADMK's E.M. Manraj with 38.43% votes in 2021, followed by Congress's P.S.W. Madhavarao with 31.49%. Voters should note the serious criminal charges declared in the affidavit, the lack of publicly documented work or achievements, and the candidate's association with a rising but relatively new political force in Tamil Nadu. The absence of detailed information about his background, political experience, or community engagement makes comprehensive assessment challenging.