Despite 238 defeats, this tyre repair shop owner prepares to contest Lok Sabha elections 2024

Meet Padmarajan, a 65-year-old tyre repair shop owner from the town of Mettur in Tamil Nadu. He has been actively participating in elections since 1988 with a goal to prove that an ordinary person can engage in the democratic process.

Unlike most candidates who seek victory, Padmarajan finds fulfillment in simply participating. He remains content even when defeat is inevitable. Currently, he is contesting for a parliamentary seat in Tamil Nadu’s Dharmapuri district during India’s six-week-long general elections starting on April 19.

Padmarajan, who is commonly referred to as the “Election King,” has participated in a variety of elections throughout the country, ranging from local elections to presidential contests. He has gone up against powerful and notable opponents, such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former leaders Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh, and Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi.

For Padmarajan, victory is not the main concern. He focuses on extending his remarkable losing streak and inspiring others to actively engage in the democratic process. His commitment comes at a cost—he estimates spending thousands of dollars in nomination fees over three decades. His latest attempt requires a security deposit of 25,000 rupees ($300), refundable only if he secures more than 16 percent of the vote.

Padmarajan sets record as India’s most unsuccessful candidate

Despite numerous defeats, Padmarajan achieved one notable victory: earning a place in the Limca Book of Records as India’s most unsuccessful candidate. His best performance was in 2011 when he stood for assembly elections in Mettur, securing 6,273 votes compared to the eventual victor’s 75,000.

Beyond politics, Padmarajan runs a tyre repair shop, provides homoeopathic remedies and works as a local media editor. However, his passion lies in electoral participation. He sees it as a way to inspire others and create awareness about the importance of involvement.

Padmarajan meticulously preserves records of his nomination papers and identity cards, each laminated for safekeeping. These documents bear the campaign symbols he has used over the years—symbols like a fish, ring, hat, telephone, and now, tires.

Once ridiculed, Padmarajan now shares his wisdom with students and teaches them resilience through his campaigns. He believes that failure is the best teacher, and maintaining a positive mindset prevents unnecessary stress.

Padmarajan’s commitment to democracy comes at a critical time when public support for India’s democratic process appears to be waning. A recent Pew Research Centre survey shows that 67 percent of Indians prefer a strong leader unencumbered by parliament or the courts over representative democracy. Rights groups also highlight increasing illiberalism under Prime Minister Modi.

Padmarajan’s message remains clear: every citizen should exercise their right to vote, regardless of winning or losing. And if he ever does win? Well, he jokes that it might just give him a heart attack!

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