G.Ramamoorthi

G. Ramamoorthy is a 70-year-old first-time electoral candidate contesting from Tiruchirappalli (West) constituency for the newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. A graduate by education, he is a self-employed businessman serving as Managing Director of Ramachand Property Developers and Managing Trustee of N.R. Educational and Charitable Trust. With declared assets of Rs 2.31 crore and no liabilities or criminal cases, he represents TVK's attempt to break into a constituency traditionally dominated by Dravidian parties. Ramamoorthy is contesting in a challenging three-way race against DMK's K.N. Nehru, an incumbent minister seeking his fourth term who won with 65.27% votes in 2021, and AMMK's M. Rajasekharan representing the NDA alliance. His candidacy is part of TVK's ambitious strategy to field candidates in all 234 constituencies, marking the party's debut just two years after its founding by actor-turned-politician Vijay in February 2024. The party positions itself as a fresh alternative to the established DMK and AIADMK, with Vijay himself contesting from Perambur and Tiruchirappalli East. While Ramamoorthy's personal record shows no controversies, his party faces significant legal challenges that may impact voter perception. The TVK has been embroiled in serious allegations including an FIR against party leader Vijay over the September 2025 Karur stampede that killed 41 people and injured over 100, with charges including culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Additionally, FIRs have been filed for alleged election code violations during the Tiruchirappalli campaign, with TVK accusing authorities of bias. Despite these controversies, the party has unveiled an ambitious manifesto promising Rs 2,500 monthly assistance for women, educational loans, business support, and a focus on education, healthcare, and women's safety. Voters in Tiruchirappalli West face a choice between the DMK's established track record, the NDA alliance's alternative, and TVK's promise of fresh politics. For Ramamoorthy, success depends on whether TVK's newcomer appeal and Vijay's star power can overcome both the incumbent's strong electoral history and the shadow of recent party controversies. As a first-time candidate with business experience and charitable work background, he represents TVK's strategy of fielding candidates with community ties, but faces the challenge of proving his party's ability to deliver on ambitious promises.