Headline: TN Election 2026: Congress Announces 27 Candidates; One Seat Still Pending
Following intense deliberations in New Delhi, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) today, April 3, 2026, unveiled its candidate list for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Contesting as a key partner in the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, the Congress has announced names for 27 out of the 28 seats allocated to it.
Key Highlights & Surprises
- The Leadership Stays: TNCC President K. Selvaperunthagai will defend his stronghold in Sriperumbudur (SC).
- The PMK Factor: In a strategic move, G.K.M. Tamil Kumaran (son of former PMK President G.K. Mani) has been fielded from Pennagaram, despite initial internal pushback.
- Battle of Vilavancode: The party has fielded T.T. Praveen to take on former Congress MLA turned BJP candidate S. Vijayadharani.
- Sitting MLAs Retained: High-profile names like JMH Aassan Maulaana (Velachery), Ruby Manoharan (Nanguneri), and S. Rajeshkumar (Killiyoor) have all been renominated.
Why is Melur Pending?
The list is notable for the absence of a candidate for the Melur constituency. Reports suggest a deadlock between different factions within the state leadership regarding the choice of candidate, which is expected to be resolved within the next 48 hours.
Full List of Announced Candidates
| No. | Constituency | Candidate Name |
| 1 | Sriperumbudur (SC) | K. Selvaperunthagai |
| 2 | Velachery | JMH Aassan Maulaana |
| 3 | Ponneri (SC) | Durai Chandrasekar |
| 4 | Krishnagiri | Dr. A. Chella Kumar |
| 5 | Erode (East) | Gopinath Palaniyappan |
| 6 | Ooty | B. Ramachandran |
| 7 | Pennagaram | G.K.M. Tamil Kumaran |
| 8 | Karaikudi | S. Mangudi |
| 9 | Mayiladuthurai | Jamal Yunus Mohammed |
| 10 | Srivaikuntam | S. Oorvashi Amirtharaj |
The Election Roadmap
With the nomination deadline of April 6 fast approaching, the Congress is the last major alliance partner to finalize its list. The state goes to polls on April 23, 2026, with the results being declared on May 4.
