Mannachanallur DMK MLA ‘distributes’ SUVs; ECI issues notice

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday (March 19, 2026) issued a notice to S. Kathiravan, the DMK MLA representing the Mannachanallur Assembly constituency in Tiruchi district, after the AIADMK complained accusing him of distributing sports utility vehicles (SUVs) to some DMK functionaries in his constituency.

In his complaint to V. Saravanan, Collector and District Election Officer, P. Nagarajan, district (Tiruchi North) secretary, Information Technology wing of the AIADMK, alleged that Mr. Kathiravan and his father V. Srinivasan had distributed SUVs to five panchayat union secretaries and two town panchayat secretaries of the DMK in the Mannachanallur constituency on March 16 and 17 when the Model Code of Conduct was in force.

According to the complainant, Kattukulam Ganesan, Ramachandran and Senthil Karthikeyan were among those who received the cars. He alleged it was a clear case of violation and the MLA had misused his power for political gain when the dates for the Assembly elections were announced. He had also posted a message on his Facebook page on Sunday and Monday, featuring the photographs of distributing cars to Kattulam Ganesan, Ramachandran, Senthilkumar and others.

“It is a blatant violation of election rules by Mr. Kathiravan, who is likely to be renominated by the DMK from Mannachanallur constituency. The total value of the cars is said to cost more than Rs.1 crore. The Election Commission should take suitable action against Mr. Kathiravan,” said Mr. Nagarajan.

When contacted, Mr. Saravanan, District Election Officer, told The Hindu a notice had been issued to Mr. Kathiravan, seeking an explanation on the complaint. The Returning Officer would take a call on it, he added.

N. Siva, the Returning Officer of the Mannachanallur constituency, said Mr. Kathiravan had been asked to file his reply within 24 hours. Appropriate action would be taken based on his reply, he added.