D.Sarathkumar

D. Sarathkumar, 34, is a civil contractor contesting from the TAMBARAM constituency in Tamil Nadu for the newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party in the 2026 Assembly elections. With declared assets of approximately ₹4.09 crore (₹95.85 lakh movable and ₹3.13 crore immovable), he represents a party that has entered Tamil Nadu politics with ambitious promises but limited electoral track record. He faces one criminal case with charges under sections 189(2) for being a member of an unlawful assembly, 126(2) for wrongful restraint, and 287 for negligent conduct with fire or combustible matter—none classified as serious IPC offenses. Sarathkumar has virtually no individual public profile or documented political history. His candidacy appears part of TVK's broader strategy to field fresh faces across Tamil Nadu constituencies. The party itself was founded on February 2, 2024, by popular actor Vijay and is contesting its first-ever election. TAMBARAM was won by S. R. Raja of the DMK in the 2021 Assembly elections, making it a constituency where TVK will face established parties. The TVK party has generated attention through its comprehensive manifesto promising welfare schemes including ₹2,500 monthly for homemakers, ₹4,000 unemployment aid for graduates, 200 units of free electricity, and an ambitious target to transform Tamil Nadu into a $1.5 trillion economy by 2036 with AI-driven governance. However, the party has faced significant controversies, most notably the September 2025 Karur crowd crush incident during a Vijay rally that killed 41 people and injured around 100, drawing sharp political criticism. Additionally, allegations of internal incidents at party conferences and claims of DMK interference in campaign activities have created a mixed public perception. Voters in TAMBARAM should note that they are evaluating a first-time candidate from a completely new party with no governance track record. While TVK's manifesto promises are extensive, the party's ability to deliver remains untested. Sarathkumar's declared profession as a civil contractor and asset base appear consistent with his stated occupation, and his single criminal case involves relatively minor charges related to assembly and negligence rather than corruption or violence.