Pandiyan.S

S. Pandiyan, 42, is a businessman from Thiruthuraipoondi involved in timber trading and iron products who has entered politics as a first-time candidate with the newly-formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). With assets worth Rs. 1.72 crore and liabilities of Rs. 53.91 lakhs, he represents the business community in a constituency reserved for Scheduled Castes. His educational background is 10th pass, and he has declared no criminal cases in his affidavit. Pandiyan is contesting from Thiruthuraipoondi (SC), a constituency that has traditionally been a CPI bastion won by K. Marimuthu in the 2021 elections. He is banking on the political momentum generated by TVK founder and popular actor Vijay, who launched the party in February 2024 and is contesting his first election. TVK is running candidates in all 234 constituencies independently, having ruled out alliances with both the ruling DMK and the BJP. As part of TVK's election strategy, Pandiyan is participating in extensive door-to-door campaigns across his constituency, distributing party materials and engaging directly with voters. The party's manifesto promises include Rs. 2,500 monthly assistance for homemakers, Rs. 4,000 unemployment aid for graduates, farmer debt relief, and expanded pension coverage. However, TVK has been affected by the September 2025 Karur crowd crush tragedy during a Vijay rally that killed 41 people, generating controversy and calls for investigation. Voters in Thiruthuraipoondi face a choice between an established CPI incumbent and a newcomer representing a party with no governance track record but significant star power. Pandiyan's business background in timber and iron products may resonate with commercial voters, but his lack of political experience and individual public profile means his electoral fate is closely tied to the broader TVK wave and Vijay's ability to convert his film popularity into votes.