M. Periyasamy

I. Periyasamy (born January 6, 1953, in Batlagundu, Dindigul) is a veteran DMK politician currently serving as Rural Development Minister of Tamil Nadu. With a political career spanning over three decades, he has been elected MLA from Athoor constituency six times (1989, 1996, 2006, 2011, 2016, and 2021), demonstrating strong grassroots support with his 2021 victory securing 72.11% of votes. He has held multiple significant ministerial portfolios including Revenue and Housing (2006-2011), Small Industries and Noon Meal (1996-2001), and Co-operation (2021-2022). His son, I.P. Senthil Kumar, is also a DMK MLA representing Palani constituency. However, Periyasamy's career is overshadowed by serious corruption allegations. In 2011, the Tamil Nadu Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) registered a disproportionate assets case alleging that he and his family amassed Rs. 2.1 crore disproportionate to known income sources during his 2006-2010 ministerial tenure. While initially acquitted by a special court in Dindigul, the Madras High Court overturned the acquittal and ordered a retrial with charges framed—proceedings currently stayed by the Supreme Court. Most recently in 2025, the Enforcement Directorate conducted extensive raids under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) at his official Chennai residence, Dindigul home, and properties linked to his son, seizing property and investment documents. He also faces a DVAC case for alleged illegal allotment of Tamil Nadu Housing Board plots in 2008 to the personal security officer of then-Chief Minister Karunanidhi. As Rural Development Minister, Periyasamy has overseen implementation of schemes including MGNREGA, rural sanitation programs, and agricultural development initiatives aimed at improving rural infrastructure and livelihoods in Tamil Nadu. His long tenure in Athoor has allowed him to implement various development projects focusing on rural welfare. The political landscape remains polarized: the DMK defends him as a dedicated public servant facing politically motivated investigations ahead of 2026 elections, while opposition parties view the probes as necessary accountability measures against corruption. Voters should note the significant discrepancies between the affidavit data (declaring profession as 'Agriculture Labour' with Rs. 3,000 total assets and zero criminal cases) and established facts about I. Periyasamy's decades-long ministerial career, multiple properties under investigation, business directorships, and pending corruption cases. These inconsistencies raise serious questions about transparency and accurate disclosure of assets and legal proceedings.