A. Rajaprakash

A. Rajaprakash, 38, is contesting from Tenkasi constituency in Tamil Nadu on a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) ticket. With only a 5th standard education, he runs a metal scrap business called St. Anthony Store. His financial profile shows assets worth Rs. 3.82 crore balanced against nearly equal liabilities of Rs. 3.84 crore, making his net worth essentially zero. He has no criminal cases declared in his affidavit. Rajaprakash is part of TVK's first electoral foray in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The party, founded by actor Vijay on February 2, 2024, has grown rapidly to claim over 15 million members and is contesting all 234 seats. TVK follows a center-left ideology drawing from Ambedkar, Periyar, and Kamaraj, positioning itself as an alternative to the traditional DMK-AIADMK rivalry. The party has released an ambitious manifesto promising monthly financial assistance to homemakers (Rs. 2,500), unemployed graduates (Rs. 4,000), and various other welfare schemes including interest-free loans for women and AI-driven governance. However, TVK has been embroiled in serious controversy following the September 27, 2025 Karur crowd crush at a Vijay rally that killed 41 people and injured around 100. An FIR was filed against TVK leaders including general secretary N. Anand for culpable homicide and endangering lives. Additionally, Vijay himself has declared two pending FIRs in his election affidavit related to public disturbances and an incident at a party conference. The party has also faced cases for conducting unauthorized roadshows causing traffic disruptions in Chennai. Voters in Tenkasi should note that Rajaprakash is a political newcomer with no prior electoral experience, running on the strength of Vijay's popularity rather than his own political track record. His business background in metal scrap and his financial situation showing high debt levels are factors to consider. As a first-time candidate from a first-time party, his ability to deliver on TVK's ambitious promises remains untested.