With zero win, ‘Election King’ Padmarajan from Payyannur files 254th nomination in TN Polls

Chennai: K Padmarajan, known for his relentless streak in Indian politics, has filed his nomination for the Perambur constituency, marking his 254th electoral contest. The veteran contender, often dubbed the "Election King," is once again set to take on prominent political figures, including TVK leader Vijay.

Padmarajan’s political journey spans from local panchayat polls to presidential elections, making him a record-holder for contesting the most elections in India. Despite consistent defeats, he has earned a unique reputation, holding the distinction of losing in more elections than anyone else.

The 66-year-old, originally from Payyannur Kunhimangalam in Kerala and currently residing in Mettur, Salem, Tamil Nadu, runs a tyre re-treading business. He first entered the electoral fray in 1988 and has never skipped an election since.

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Over the years, Padmarajan has filed nominations against high-profile leaders, including A B Vajpayee, P V Narasimha Rao, J Jayalalithaa, M Karunanidhi, Pinarayi Vijayan, Vayalar Ravi, A K Antony, S M Krishna, and Priyanka Gandhi. Reports suggest he has spent over ₹1 crore on election nomination fees alone.

Last week, Padmarajan filed his nomination for the Mettur constituency in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, his 253rd nomination. This week, he submitted his 254th nomination in Perambur. In last year’s Kerala local elections, he filed a nomination in Payyannur Kunhimangalam ward, which was rejected as he was not a registered voter there. Similarly, his nominations for the presidential and vice-presidential elections have also been rejected in the past.

Padmarajan’s record has earned him a place in the Limca Book of Records, the Asian Book of Records, and the Delhi Book of Records. His chosen election symbol is the tyre, reflecting his business background.