Santhosh

Santhosh, 37, is contesting the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections from Virugampakkam constituency on a Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) ticket. A 12th pass educated candidate declaring self-employment as his profession, he holds assets worth Rs. 45.94 lakhs with liabilities of Rs. 10.89 lakhs. His affidavit reveals 2 serious criminal cases involving charges of rioting (§147), criminal intimidation (§506), statements conducing to public mischief (§505), criminal trespass (§447), provocation to cause riot (§153), and intentional insult (§504), raising concerns about his involvement in public order disturbances. Santhosh represents NTK, a Tamil nationalist party founded in 2010 by Seeman that has emerged as a significant third force in Tamil Nadu politics. In the previous 2021 Assembly elections from Virugampakkam, NTK candidate T. S. Rajendran secured 10,185 votes (6.08%), finishing behind DMK's winning candidate who received 74,351 votes (44.38%). The party has shown impressive growth, increasing its state-wide vote share from 1.06% in 2016 to 6.72% in 2021, establishing itself as the third-largest party by vote share in Tamil Nadu. NTK positions itself as an alternative to traditional Dravidian parties, focusing on Tamil identity, regional autonomy, and advocacy for Tamil Eelam in Sri Lanka. The party appeals particularly to younger voters and those seeking alternatives to DMK-AIADMK politics, with its emphasis on Tamil nationalism, environmentalism, and social justice. However, NTK faces challenges in converting vote share into electoral victories and has been involved in controversies including protests against films, which have led to legal actions and police confrontations. Voters should note that while Santhosh's party shows growing support, he faces serious criminal charges and is contesting from a constituency where NTK previously secured only 6% of votes. His declared assets of Rs. 45.94 lakhs appear reasonable for a self-employed individual, though the criminal cases involving rioting and intimidation charges warrant careful consideration by the electorate.