K. Senthilkumar

K. Senthilkumar is a 38-year-old postgraduate lawyer representing the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) from Thiruvallur constituency in Tamil Nadu. He contests from a party that has positioned itself as an alternative to the state's traditional Dravidian politics, advocating for Tamil nationalist causes and cultural identity. With declared assets of Rs. 93.76 lakhs and no criminal cases, Senthilkumar represents a relatively clean financial profile typical of emerging regional party candidates. The Naam Tamilar Katchi, founded in 1958 and currently led by filmmaker-turned-politician Seeman, achieved a significant milestone by gaining state party recognition from the Election Commission in May 2025. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections for Thiruvallur, NTK's candidate Jagadesh Chander.Mu secured 120,838 votes (8.52%), finishing behind the Indian National Congress winner who received 56.21% of votes. The party has released manifestos focusing on decentralization, anti-drug measures, and Tamil-centric policies for upcoming assembly elections. However, the party has not been without controversy. NTK cadres have been arrested for disrupting theater screenings, prompting the Madras High Court to direct police protection for cinemas. Party leader Seeman has faced sedition charges for controversial statements, including advocacy for retrieving Katchatheevu island and supporting the release of Rajiv Gandhi assassination convicts. These incidents reflect the party's confrontational approach to Tamil identity politics. Voters should know that while Senthilkumar represents a party with growing appeal among youth and those seeking alternatives to established parties, NTK's actual electoral performance has been limited. Opinion polls suggest the party may not win seats despite securing meaningful vote shares. His campaign likely focuses on infrastructure development and local economic issues, consistent with the party's broader platform, though specific information about his individual political work in Thiruvallur remains limited in public records.