Karthik.A

Karthik.A, 37, is a postgraduate and businessman contesting from Srivilliputhur (SC) constituency on a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) ticket in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. He manages a private press and owns a cracker shop, declaring total assets of Rs. 1.16 crore with liabilities of Rs. 53.49 lakh. His affidavit shows no criminal cases. Karthik represents TVK's first electoral foray in this constituency, which has historically alternated between AIADMK and other parties. TVK, founded by actor Vijay on February 2, 2024, is contesting as a new political force attempting to break the traditional DMK-AIADMK binary in Tamil Nadu. The party positions itself as center-left with the slogan 'Pirappokkum Ella Uyirkkum' (All are equal by birth). In the 2021 elections, Srivilliputhur was won by AIADMK's E.M. Manraj with 70,475 votes (38.43%), defeating INC's P.S.W. Madhavarao who secured 57,737 votes (31.49%). In 2016, AIADMK's M. Chandra Prabha won with 88,103 votes (49.32%). While Karthik.A himself has no public controversies or notable media presence, his party has faced significant challenges. The tragic Karur crowd crush on September 27, 2025, at a TVK rally resulted in 41 deaths and around 100 injuries when crowds surged after party founder Vijay's convoy arrived seven hours late. A one-member commission was formed to investigate, and the incident drew widespread criticism. Additionally, TVK founder Vijay faced a Model Code of Conduct violation case after filing his nomination from Perambur constituency on March 30, 2026. Voters in Srivilliputhur should note that Karthik.A is a political newcomer representing an untested party. As a reserved SC constituency, it will be a multi-cornered contest involving CPI's P. Mahalingam, AIADMK's M. Chandra Prabha (2016 winner), NTK's Karikal Pandian, and PT's Shyam Krishnaswamy. With no track record of public service or legislative experience, voters will need to assess whether TVK's fresh political narrative and Karthik's business background offer a viable alternative to established parties.