Congress Reveals Candidate Lineup for Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections: Who's in the Race?

The Congress party has announced its candidates for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, revealing nominees for 27 of the 28 constituencies. With a focus on collaboration with the DMK, the party aims to retain its influence in the state. Key candidates include Durai Chandrasekar from Ponneri and K. Selvaperunthagai from Sriperumbudur. The final candidate for Melur is expected to be announced soon. As the campaign intensifies, Congress is set to enhance its outreach efforts across constituencies, gearing up for a closely watched electoral contest.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 3, 2026, 18:03 IST

Congress Prepares for Tamil Nadu Elections

Chennai: On Friday, the Congress party announced its candidates for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, marking a significant move in its strategy within the DMK-led coalition.

The finalized list, prepared by the Central Election Committee, features nominees for 27 out of the 28 constituencies allocated to Congress, with the Melur seat still pending announcement.

AICC General Secretary K. C. Venugopal disclosed the candidates, stating that the selection process involved thorough discussions with state leaders and alliance partners.

In collaboration with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Congress aims to maintain its influence in the state during these elections.

Notable candidates include Durai Chandrasekar from Ponneri and JMH Aassan Maulaana from Velachery.

K. Selvaperunthagai, the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president, will contest from Sriperumbudur, while A. M. Munirathinam is set to represent the party in Sholingur. In western Tamil Nadu, former MP Dr. A. Chella Kumar will run from Krishnagiri, and Gopinath Palaniyappan has been selected for Erode (East).

In the Nilgiris district, B. Ramachandran will compete from Udhagamandalam. The party has also named candidates in the delta and central regions, including Jamal Yunus Mohammed from Mayiladuthurai, T. Rama Chandhiran from Aranthangi, S. Mangudi from Karaikudi, and Ganesan Ashokan from Sivakasi.

In the southern districts, Ruby Manoharan will contest from Nanguneri, while Dr. Tharagai Cuthbert is set to run from Colachel.

T.T. Praveen has been nominated from Vilavancode, and Advocate S. Rajesh Kumar will represent the party in Killiyoor.

Sources within the party have indicated that the candidate for Melur will be revealed soon, finalizing Congress's list for the elections.

The leadership is optimistic that the chosen candidates embody a well-rounded mix of experience, local ties, and regional diversity.

As the campaign enters a pivotal stage, Congress plans to ramp up its outreach efforts across constituencies in collaboration with its alliance partners, as Tamil Nadu approaches a highly anticipated electoral showdown.