NTK announces candidates for Assembly polls; Seeman to contest from Karaikudi

Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) chief coordinator Seeman on Saturday announced the names of 234 candidates from the party for the upcoming 2026 Assembly election at the Maatrathai Virumbum Makkalin Manadu (Conference for People Seeking Change) held at Alampattiputhur village in Tiruchi district.

Mr. Seeman said he would contest from the Karaikudi Assembly constituency. Addressing the gathering, he said there was no fundamental difference between national parties such as the BJP and the Congress or regional parties such as the DMK and the AIADMK. He alleged that all of them pursued “anti-people policies” and urged voters to support the NTK for what he described as a “fundamental transformation of society”.

Vote share of over 8.2%

Claiming that the NTK had secured over 8.2% of the vote share in previous elections, Mr. Seeman said the party continued to function without compromising on principles, unlike smaller parties that, he alleged, aligned with larger parties for monetary or other gains.

Criticising what he termed “freebie politics” of the DMK and the AIADMK, he questioned the source of funds for welfare schemes, including the recent transfer of ₹5,000 under the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam.

He alleged that both Dravidian parties had similar policies on issues such as Tasmac operations, corruption, and environmental management. He also criticised the Congress and the BJP, stating that there was little difference between them on economic policies, foreign relations, GST, and NEET, and alleged both were against Tamil interests.

Social transformation

Mr. Seeman said the NTK sought not merely a change in government but a broader transformation for a society free from corruption, caste discrimination, and environmental exploitation. He added that the party would continue to contest elections independently.