Tharun. A.K

Tharun AK, 45, is a postgraduate medical professional who entered active politics through his marriage into one of Veerapandi's most prominent political families. As the son-in-law of Chezhiyan (son of late DMK stalwart Veerapandi S. Arumugam), Tharun represents a new generation attempting to inherit a political legacy in western Tamil Nadu. With declared assets of ₹18.76 crore — split almost equally between movable (₹9.67 crore) and immovable (₹9.09 crore) assets — his financial profile reflects substantial wealth appropriate for a medical professional with political family connections. His political debut came in the 2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections when he contested from Veerapandi on a DMK ticket but lost to AIADMK's M. Rajamuthu by 19,895 votes, securing only 41.29% of the vote share. Despite this defeat, the DMK leadership selected him again for the 2026 elections, a decision that triggered unprecedented internal rebellion. Over 100 DMK cadres took to the streets protesting his candidacy, with key party functionaries including Veerapandi union secretary Vennila Chandrasekar resigning in opposition. The dissenters demanded that Parapatti Suresh Kumar, nephew of the late Veerapandi S. Arumugam, be fielded instead, viewing Tharun's selection as problematic dynasty politics. Adding complexity to his political profile is a corruption case revived by the Madras High Court against his father-in-law's family. The case involves the late Veerapandi Arumugam and family members allegedly accumulating ₹1.8 crore in assets disproportionate to known income during Arumugam's tenure as Agriculture Minister (1996-2001). While Tharun himself faces no criminal charges and has a clean affidavit, this family legal entanglement has become part of his political baggage. In campaign mode, Tharun projects confidence about DMK's welfare schemes appealing to voters, particularly women, though he must overcome both his 2021 defeat and the current internal party opposition. Voters in Veerapandi face a choice between giving Tharun a second chance to prove himself beyond his family name, or questioning whether his candidacy represents the kind of dynastic politics that sidelines grassroots leaders. His medical profession background and substantial assets position him as an elite candidate in a constituency where AIADMK holds the current seat.