T.N. Assembly election 2026: Brahmin faces of Naam Tamilar Katchi in electoral fray, a shift from the past

Brahmin candidates join Naam Tamilar Katchi, marking a significant shift in Tamil Nadu's political landscape and inclusivity.

Symbolic acts from political parties often signal an intent to change without disturbing the status quo. Several parties are into the politics of symbolism. For instance, they wax eloquent about empowerment of women and the Scheduled Castes. But it is not showing up in their daily affairs.

Film-maker-turned-politician Seeman’s fledgling Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) is seeking to change this trend. The party has consistently fielded some Scheduled Caste candidates in the general constituencies and an equal number of men and women since it entered electoral politics 10 years ago. Now, the party has gone a step further. It has fielded six Brahmin candidates (four women and two men) in the 2026 Assembly election, proportionate to the community’s perceived population in Tamil Nadu. This has predictably resulted in accusations and counter-accusations. But what has surprised many is that the party has long-term admirers among the Brahmins.

The Hindu spoke to five of the candidates. They had some ideas articulated by Mr. Seeman. Among them are environmental politics and their shared belief in the creation of a Tamil nation.

V. Anusha, a 41-year-old lawyer who is in the fray in T. Nagar, Chennai, said she was drawn to the party, listening to Mr. Seeman acknowledge the contributions of the Brahmins towards the larger Tamil society. “Seeman talks about local administration, importance of agriculture, and protection of natural resources. I was in the legal wing of the BJP, but once I started to know about the NTK’s principles such as fielding an equal number of men and women in the election and giving representation to all communities, I decided to join the party,” she said.

V. Anusha

Ms. Anusha feels that only the NTK offers a real alternative to the two national parties — the BJP and the Congress — and the two major Dravidian parties — the DMK and the AIADMK — which, she believes, are on the same page on most of the issues affecting the people. “Even [TVK leader and actor] Vijay is following in their [Dravidian] footsteps. Competing with each other to give freebies. The AIADMK would give two LPG cylinders and the TVK says it would give six cylinders. What is the difference,” she asked.