With the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, independent candidate K Padmarajan from the Dharmapuri Lok Sabha constituency is gearing up to contest the polls for the 239th time.
While speaking to ANI, Padmarajan stated that he has submitted 239 nominations thus far and aims to establish a world record.
“So far, I have filed 239 nominations. I only like failure. I am contesting the elections to create a world record. I got a maximum of 6,000 votes in one election,” he said.
Padmarajan mentioned that he has participated in elections against several notable leaders, including BJP stalwart LK Advani.
“So far, I have contested against former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, LK Advani, DMK Chief Karunanidhi, AIADMK Chief Jayalalithaa, and BS Yediyurappa. I don’t want to win elections, I only want to lose. Success can only be experienced once. Failure can be persistent,” he said.
Padmarajan stated that he has participated in all elections, including Presidential and ward elections.
“Since 1988, I have deposited up to one crore rupees for the election nomination. I earn money by running a small puncture shop near my place. I will pay these deposit amounts with the income I earn from them. I have contested all the elections, including the presidential, corporation and ward elections. After this, I will also contest elections,” he said.
In the 2019 general elections, the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, consisting of Congress, VCK, MDMK, CPI, CPI(M), IUML, MMK, KMDK, TVK, and AIFB, secured a resounding victory by capturing 38 out of the 39 seats.
In 2019, DMK secured victory in 23 Lok Sabha seats with a 33.2 per cent vote share, while Congress clinched 8 seats with a 12.9 per cent vote share, and CPI won two seats in Tamil Nadu.
The general election for 543 Lok Sabha seats across the country will be conducted in seven phases commencing on April 19. Approximately 97 crore voters are eligible to cast their votes in the general election.
Vote counting will occur on June 4.