The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam has renominated its Manachanallur MLA, S Kathiravan, for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, despite ongoing controversy linked to alleged irregularities and kidney trafficking at a hospital associated with his family.
Chief Minister MK Stalin released the party’s list of candidates for 164 constituencies on 28 March 2026, in which Kathiravan was once again fielded from the Manachanallur constituency in Tiruchirappalli district.
The renomination comes in the backdrop of allegations that surfaced in mid-2025 regarding an alleged illegal kidney transplant racket at a private hospital linked to the MLA’s family. The facility had come under scrutiny following claims that economically vulnerable individuals, including weavers from Namakkal, were allegedly targeted and induced into organ donation under questionable circumstances.
Subsequently, the Tamil Nadu Health Department suspended the hospital’s organ transplant licence based on preliminary findings of an inquiry committee. However, no criminal charges have been reported against the MLA in connection with the case so far.
The controversy intensified after Kathiravan made remarks during a public speech that drew widespread criticism. The MLA openly joked in a speech that he “could have bought a Rolls Royce if he had removed more kidneys” from the Thirupattur people
The decision to field Kathiravan again has drawn sharp reactions from opposition parties, which have argued that the move raises concerns about accountability and the handling of allegations involving public representatives.
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