T.N. Assembly election: Vasan announces five TMC(M) candidates, releases party’s manifesto

Tamil Maanila Congress (Moopanar) president G.K. Vasan on Friday (March 27, 2026) released the list of his party’s candidates who will contest on the BJP’s ‘Lotus’ symbol as part of the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the ensuing Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu.

Mr. Vasan announced the candidatures of former MLA Vidiyal S. Sekar from Oddanchathiram, M.K.R. Ashok Kumar from Kumbakonam, M. Yuvaraja from Erode West, V.M. Karthikeyan from Ranipet, and J. Nivin Simon from Killiyoor.

The TMC(M) contested in Erode East, Killiyoor, Lalgudi, Pattukottai, Thiru. Vi. Ka. Nagar, and Thoothukudi in the 2021 Assembly elections on the AIADMK’s ‘Two Leaves’ symbol and lost all the seats.

Mr. Vasan also released the party’s election manifesto in Chennai. According to the manifesto, the party would take steps to introduce prohibition in the State in a phased manner; ensure farmers decide the prices of farm produce; implement river-linking projects; and introduce schemes for improving the textile sector and the welfare of youth, women, students, persons with disabilities, fishermen, government employees, teachers, and labourers.

Responding to a question on the prospects of contesting in three constituencies represented by Ministers, Mr. Vasan said the anti-incumbency factor against DMK Ministers was higher than other sitting MLAs and that would benefit his party’s candidates.

He said Tamil Nadu ranked high in terms of poor law and order among south Indian States and there was no adequate safety for women and children.

Why contest on BJP symbol?

Explaining his party’s decision to contest on the BJP’s symbol, Mr. Vasan said the party had contested on the AIADMK’s ‘Two Leaves’ symbol in 2021 as it was part of the AIADMK-led alliance in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The decision to contest on the BJP’s symbol this time, he said, was because his party was part of the BJP-led alliance in the previous Lok Sabha polls.