Rajessh. T

T. Rajessh, 46, is a Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) candidate contesting from Thiruverumbur constituency in Tamil Nadu. A graduate professional working in self-employment, Rajessh has declared assets worth Rs. 39.47 lakhs with liabilities of Rs. 32.90 lakhs, and no criminal cases against him. He represents a party founded by Seeman in 2010 that advocates Tamil nationalism and has grown from fringe status to securing 8.19% votes in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Rajessh's electoral record shows persistent but unsuccessful attempts. In the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, he contested from Thiruverumbur but secured only 15,719 votes (7.97%), losing to DMK's Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi who won with 105,424 votes (53.48%). He also contested and lost in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Tiruchirappalli. For the 2026 elections, NTK has fielded him again from Thiruverumbur, where he has begun early campaigning focused on local issues like lake conservation and door-to-door voter engagement. The NTK has positioned itself as an alternative to traditional Dravidian parties, advocating for Tamil identity politics and welfare schemes free from corruption and caste discrimination. However, the party has faced significant controversies, including a major 2024 sexual harassment scandal involving its district youth wing secretary who organized a fake NCC camp where a 13-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted. Party leader Seeman has faced sedition charges for inflammatory statements about arming fishermen to reclaim Katchatheevu island, and the party has controversially supported the release of Rajiv Gandhi assassination convicts. The NTK has also organized disruptive protests against films, leading to Madras High Court interventions. Voters should know that Rajessh represents a party gaining traction among youth and nationalist segments but with limited proven electoral success. While his grassroots approach and focus on local issues demonstrate engagement, his 7.97% vote share in 2021 indicates he faces an uphill battle in a DMK-dominated constituency. The NTK's controversial positions on Tamil Eelam and recent scandals within the party organization remain significant concerns alongside its appeal as a third alternative to mainstream Dravidian politics.