Independent candidate K Padmarajan, contesting from the Dharmapuri Lok Sabha seat, expressed his unconventional approach to elections, stating that he prefers failure and aims to set a world record by contesting extensively. He claimed to have filed 239 nominations and highlighted his contest against prominent leaders such as Atal Bihari Vajpayee, LK Advani, Karunanidhi, Jayalalithaa, and BS Yediyurappa.
According to ANI, K Padmarajan said, "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 6000 votes in one election."
Padmarajan listed the leaders including former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, LK Advani, DMK Chief Karunanidhi, AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa and BS Yediyurappa against whom he contested in the elections so far.
He said, "I don't want to win elections, I only want to lose. Success can only be experienced once. Failure can be persistent. Since 1988, I have deposited up to one crore rupees for the election nomination. I earn by running a small puncture shop near my place. I will pay these deposit amounts with the income I earn from it. I have contested all the elections including presidential elections, corporation and ward elections. After this also, I will contest in elections."
However, the symbol of the candidate is unclear. In this Lok Sabha polls in TN, several prominent leaders including ex-Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam are set to contest in independent symbols.