Major parties announce their candidates for central region

All the major parties and their allies have stepped up announcement of candidates across the central region, fielding a mix of new entrants and experienced leaders for the 2026 Assembly election.

The AIADMK has nominated Thana Vimal, a lawyer and Pudukkottai north district joint secretary of the Puratchi Thalaivi Peravai, from Alangudi in Pudukkottai district.

In the DMK-led alliance, the MDMK has fielded R. Senthilselvan, a senior functionary, from Sirkazhi (SC) constituency on a separate symbol. He had earlier contested from the same constituency in 1996 and 2001.

The alliance has named M. H. Jawahirullah, president of the Manithaneya Makkal Katchi, as its candidate from Nagapattinam. A former MLA, he is known for his advocacy of minority rights, disaster relief work, and support for fishermen’s issues.

Meanwhile, the Communist Party of India has re-nominated its MLA K. Marimuthu from Thiruthuraipoondi in Tiruvarur. He is known for his grassroots engagement on farmers’ and workers’ issues and for raising concerns on agrarian distress and public welfare.