Murugavel. A

R. M. Babu Murugavel, 49, is a postgraduate-qualified lawyer contesting from Cheyyur (SC) constituency in Tamil Nadu. His affidavit lists his party as 'All India Puratchi Thalaivar Makkal Munnettra Kazhagam', though web sources consistently identify him with AIADMK under Edapadi K. Palaniswamy's faction. He previously served as a member of the 14th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from Arni constituency, representing the Desiya Murpokku Dravidar Kazhagam (DMDK), indicating party-switching in his political career. Murugavel has established himself primarily as a legal advisor and spokesperson within AIADMK, serving as Advocate wing State joint secretary, official spokesman, and member of the legal advisory committee. His public profile is shaped largely through legal activism rather than grassroots politics. He filed a defamation case against Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker M. Appavu, alleging harmful statements about AIADMK MLAs, though the Madras High Court later dismissed the case. He has also been active in filing complaints with the Election Commission against opposition leaders for alleged Model Code of Conduct violations. Cheyyur constituency, reserved for Scheduled Castes and formed after delimitation in 2008, has been competitive territory. In 2021, VCK's M. Babu won with 82,750 votes (46.49%) defeating AIADMK's candidate who received 78,708 votes (44.22%). In 2011, AIADMK's V. S. Raji won convincingly with 78,307 votes (55.59%). Murugavel declares assets worth Rs. 26.62 lakhs (all movable) and liabilities of Rs. 4.90 lakhs, with no criminal cases. Voters should note the apparent discrepancy between his affidavit's party declaration and his documented association with AIADMK. His track record shows legal and spokesperson roles rather than grassroots development work, with minimal social media presence suggesting limited direct voter engagement. The party-switching history and legal activism profile distinguish him as more of a legal warrior than a constituency-focused representative.