Two decades after the infamous forest brigand Veerappan was killed in a police encounter in Tamil Nadu, his family is stepping into the political arena to reshape his legacy. Veerappan's daughter, Vidhyarani, a 35-year-old lawyer, is contesting from the Mettur constituency as a candidate for the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), while his widow, Muthulakshmi, is running from Krishnagiri on behalf of the Tamilaga Vazhvurimai Katchi. Both parties advocate for Tamil nationalism. Vidhyarani, who previously contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, aims to present her father as a defender of Tamil rights rather than a feared outlaw. She emphasized that if her father were alive, he would have participated in the democratic process. Muthulakshmi is focusing her campaign on agrarian issues, asserting her commitment to farmers' rights. Their political entry could potentially impact the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), particularly in regions where the Vanniyar community is influential, as they may draw votes that would typically go to PMK. Observers note that both candidates have not faced hostility due to their past but rather enjoy respect from the community.