Vilwanathan. A.C.

A.C. Vilwanathan, 66, is a two-term DMK MLA representing Ambur constituency in Tamil Nadu. An agriculturist by profession with 10th-grade education, he first entered the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly through a 2019 by-election victory, securing 96,455 votes (55.93%) and defeating the AIADMK candidate by a substantial margin of 37,767 votes. He successfully defended his seat in the 2021 assembly elections, though with a reduced margin of 20,232 votes and 51.27% vote share. His electoral success represents DMK's resurgence in Ambur, reversing earlier AIADMK dominance in the constituency. However, his political career carries the burden of significant legal challenges, with his affidavit declaring 4 criminal cases including serious charges of bribery, promoting communal enmity, assault on public servants, and malignant acts related to disease spread. With assets worth approximately ₹5.92 crores, primarily in immovable property, and liabilities of ₹10.5 lakhs, his financial position appears stable for his declared profession. Voters should weigh his consistent electoral performance against the serious nature of pending criminal charges.