S. Roshini, transgender candidate from the Naam Tamilar Katchi | Photo Credit: Bijoy Ghosh

Meet 28-year-old S Roshini, the only transgender contesting in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. In a tightly contested battle in the sub-urb of Villivakkam, Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) Roshini is taking on seasoned rivals from major parties in the coming Assembly elections to be held on April 23.

Roshini is up against Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam’s Karthik Mohan, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam’s SR Vijaykumar, and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s Aahava Arjuna in what is shaping up to be a multi-cornered contest in one of the keenly watched constituencies.

A social activist who has been running an NGO for the past three years focused on the upliftment of people in hilly regions, Roshini is attempting to shift the narrative away from identity politics.

“Don’t look at me as a person from the third community but look at me as a sister and as an ordinary candidate. I am here to serve the people of the constituency and continue my work,” she told businessline at her house in Villivakkam.

Drawing ideological strength from NTK founder Seeman, Roshini said the party remains committed to its vision of a Tamil state and is aiming to challenge the dominance of the Dravidian majors. “We want the defeat of both the Dravidian parties that have ruled for over five decades,” she said.

On the ground, Roshini echoes voter concerns over poor infrastructure and women’s safety in Villivakkam. While her grassroots outreach—especially among elderly women—has earned her appreciation for clarity on local issues, many voters remain sceptical about her electoral prospects given the strength of her opponents.

Roshini also weighed in on the political entry of actor Vijay, describing him as a newcomer unlikely to significantly impact in the election.

At the same time, she expressed confidence in NTK’s youth base, asserting that the party’s supporters remain loyal and that it expects to improve on its previous vote share of around 8 per cent in this election.

By making a Roshini contest from Villivakkam, NTK is sending a strong message to other parties to recognise the transgenders. Interestingly, the party has also given 50 per cent of seats to women and tickets to four Brahmins - both not prominent in major parties, said a political analyst.

2021 Vilivakkam Assembly electrion results

Published on April 13, 2026