Sampathkumar. V

V. Sampathkumar, 52, is a two-term AIADMK MLA representing the Harur (SC) constituency in Tamil Nadu. A graduate professional engaged in agriculture, he first entered the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly through a by-election in 2019, securing 88,632 votes (45.1%) against DMK's C. Krishnakumar. He consolidated his position in 2021, winning with an improved margin of 99,061 votes (50.46%) against CPI(M)'s A. Kumar who polled 68,699 votes (34.99%). His electoral success demonstrates significant support in this reserved constituency. Sampathkumar's tenure has not been without controversy. His affidavit declares 2 criminal cases involving charges of assault on public servants, participation in unlawful assembly, wrongful restraint, disobedience to public servant orders, and illegal election payments. He declares assets worth Rs. 81.09 lakhs with liabilities of Rs. 25.15 lakhs. Recently, he became the center of a public debate when images showed him sitting on the floor during a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) inspection in Harur. He clarified on social media platform X that he voluntarily chose to sit on the floor to speak on equal terms with senior citizens who were seated due to lack of chairs, addressing concerns about his treatment as a Dalit representative. While specific development projects directly attributed to Sampathkumar could not be identified in available records, he represents a constituency that benefits from state-wide welfare schemes for SC/ST communities and rural development initiatives. The AIADMK party he represents has faced broader legal scrutiny over cash-for-jobs scam allegations, though Sampathkumar himself has not been directly named in any such FIRs. His limited social media presence suggests a more traditional approach to constituency engagement. Voters in Harur should weigh his electoral track record and party loyalty against the pending criminal charges and the broader controversies facing the AIADMK. His response to the floor-sitting incident demonstrates awareness of caste dynamics and public perception, but the declared legal cases involving obstruction of public servants and election-related offenses warrant scrutiny from an informed electorate.