Maria Jennifer Clara Michael, the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) candidate for the Kanniyakumari Assembly constituency, stated that job opportunities in the district can be improved by strengthening traditional sectors like agriculture and fisheries while simultaneously protecting the ecosystem. A native of Kanniyakumari, she previously secured the third position in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In an interview with The Hindu, she highlighted the struggles of local farmers and the underutilization of infrastructure projects, such as the coconut value addition centre in Chenbagaramanputhoor. She emphasized the need for firm legal action against environmental degradation in the Western Ghats due to mining. Furthermore, she spoke about NTK's vision to develop Kanniyakumari as a 'Meyyiyal' capital, linking it to the region's historical Sangam period and 'Kumari Kandam' narrative. She suggested that investing in heritage research, education, and tourism could transform the district into a cultural hub and boost the local economy.