Palanisamy. M

Palanisamy is a 26-year-old graduate and agriculturalist contesting the Yercaud (ST) constituency in Tamil Nadu on a Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) ticket. With declared assets of Rs. 7.36 lakhs and no criminal cases, he represents a young face in a party that has been steadily gaining ground in Tamil Nadu politics. NTK, founded by actor-turned-politician Seeman, advocates for Tamil nationalism, regionalism, and environmental causes, positioning itself as an alternative to the traditional Dravidian parties DMK and AIADMK. Yercaud constituency has been a challenging terrain for NTK. In 2021, the party's candidate Jothi secured 13,308 votes (5.62%), losing to AIADMK's G. Chitra by a margin of 25,955 votes. This was a significant improvement from 2016 when NTK candidate T. Sengottuvel received only 1,265 votes (0.57%). The constituency is reserved for Scheduled Tribes and is part of the Kallakurichi Lok Sabha constituency in Salem district. Palanisamy will face established competitors including AIADMK's incumbent G. Chitra and DMK's T. M. Revathi Matheswaran in what is expected to be a three-way contest. NTK has emerged as Tamil Nadu's third-largest political force, with its vote share growing from 1.1% in 2016 to 6.72% in 2021 Assembly elections, and crossing 8% in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The party received official recognition as a state party from the Election Commission of India in May 2025. However, the party has also courted controversy with aggressive protest tactics, including incidents involving attacks on theaters during the 'Kingdom' film controversy, which required Madras High Court intervention. Party members have also faced allegations of cyberbullying and defamation in high-profile cases. Voters should know that Palanisamy represents a growing but still emerging political alternative in a constituency where mainstream parties have traditionally dominated. At 26, he brings youth and agricultural background to a party known for its uncompromising Tamil nationalist stance, but voters should weigh the party's growth trajectory against its controversial protest methods and limited governance experience.