Sreenivasan. C

Dindigul C. Sreenivasan, born April 1, 1948, is a 78-year-old veteran AIADMK politician with over three decades of electoral experience. A postgraduate with an M.A. in Political Science and an MBA, he has served both in the Lok Sabha and the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. He was elected to the Lok Sabha from Dindigul four times (1989, 1991, 1998, 1999) before transitioning to state politics. In the 2016 Assembly elections, he won from Dindigul with 91,413 votes (49.30%), defeating DMK's M. Basheer Ahamed by 20,719 votes. He successfully defended his seat in 2021 with 90,595 votes (46.86%), defeating CPI(M)'s N. Pandi by 17,747 votes. Sreenivasan served as Minister for Forests in the Tamil Nadu cabinet from May 2016 to May 2021, a tenure marked by efforts to balance conservation with development needs. Following the AIADMK's restructuring, he was appointed as Organizing Secretary from 2020 to 2022, and subsequently elevated to Treasurer in July 2022, making him one of the party's most senior leaders. His influence stems partly from his connection to the Piramalai Kallar community, which provides strong grassroots support in his constituency. However, his political career has not been without controversy. He has faced criticism for controversial remarks about women during protests against DMK welfare schemes, which drew significant public backlash. The affidavit declares three criminal cases against him involving charges under sections related to unlawful assembly, obstruction in public ways, and wrongful restraint, though none are classified as serious IPC offenses. His declared assets of Rs. 8.83 crores appear consistent with his long political career and ministerial experience. Voters should know that Sreenivasan is seeking a third consecutive term in the 2026 elections, facing DMK's IP Senthil Kumar. Dindigul, a major commercial and transport hub known for lock manufacturing and agricultural trade, has key concerns around urban infrastructure, traffic congestion, water supply, and youth employment. His track record shows consistent electoral success and senior party responsibilities, but also includes public controversies that have damaged his image on social issues.