Ganesh. R

Ganesh R, 42, is contesting from the reserved Vandavasi (SC) constituency in Tiruvannamalai district on a Naam Tamilar Katchi ticket in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections scheduled for April 23, 2026. A graduate working in a private company, Ganesh has declared assets worth Rs. 33.07 lakhs but carries liabilities of Rs. 39.28 lakhs, resulting in a negative net worth. He has one pending criminal case registered at Vandavasi South Police Station, though the exact nature remains unclear from affidavit details. Ganesh represents NTK, a Tamil nationalist party founded in 1958 and currently led by filmmaker-activist Seeman. The party has emerged as Tamil Nadu's third-largest political force, securing 6.72% of votes in the 2021 Assembly elections. In Vandavasi specifically during 2021, NTK candidate G. Prabavathi secured 9,284 votes (5.04%), finishing third behind DMK's 55.41% and PMK's 35.89%. NTK's platform emphasizes Tamil identity, decentralized governance, environmental protection, and anti-drug measures, attracting youth and marginalized communities dissatisfied with traditional Dravidian parties. However, NTK has faced legal controversies. Party leader Seeman was booked under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act for allegedly singing a defamatory song during campaign activities. The Madras High Court also had to direct police protection for theaters screening the film 'Kingdom' following alleged disruptions by NTK cadres during protests. While no specific controversies or achievements regarding Ganesh personally were found in public records, voters should note his financial situation and his party's growing but controversial presence in Tamil Nadu politics. Voters in Vandavasi face a choice between established parties with strong previous performance and NTK's emerging alternative politics. Ganesh's candidacy represents NTK's effort to expand representation in SC-reserved constituencies, though he enters the race as an underdog in a seat where DMK secured a commanding majority in 2021.