Kothandapani. B

Kothandapani B, 48, is contesting as an Independent candidate from Tiruvannamalai constituency in Tamil Nadu. According to his affidavit, he is a 10th pass educated individual working in agriculture wages, with declared movable assets of Rs. 23.04 lakhs and no immovable property or liabilities. However, web searches reveal a possible identity match with M. Kothandapani, a former AIADMK MLA who represented Tirupporur constituency after winning the 2016 assembly elections. If this is indeed the same person, his political career includes a controversial chapter. In 2018, M. Kothandapani was among 18 AIADMK MLAs who were disqualified after withdrawing support from Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami's government and joining the AMMK faction led by T.T.V. Dhinakaran. This disqualification marked a significant political setback and remains a notable event in Tamil Nadu's recent political history. The candidate has virtually no digital footprint, with no verified presence on major social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram. This absence of online engagement makes it difficult to assess current public sentiment or understand his campaign messaging. No information about recent development work, community initiatives, or specific policy positions was found in available sources. Voters in Tiruvannamalai should seek clarity on whether this is the same M. Kothandapani who served as MLA from Tirupporur, and if so, why his affidavit lists his profession as agricultural wages rather than politician. The discrepancy between the declared profession and the potential previous legislative experience raises questions about transparency that voters deserve answers to before casting their ballots.