Palanisamy

K.C. Palanisamy represents a dramatic fall from political prominence. Born and raised in Chennimalai, Erode District, he joined AIADMK in 1972 at age 9, influenced by former Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran (MGR). He began active politics at age 13 and was handpicked by MGR to serve as Deputy District Secretary of AIADMK's Youth Wing in 1982. His early career was remarkable: in 1984, he became the youngest MLA elected from Kangeyam constituency, and in 1989, he won the Tiruchengode Lok Sabha seat by a significant margin. However, his political fortunes declined sharply after leaving AIADMK's mainstream. Contesting as an Independent in 1991, he secured only 136 votes in a Kangayam by-election, losing to AIADMK's R.M. Veerappan. In 2006, he again contested from Kangayam as an Independent but managed only 665 votes, losing to S. Sekar of the Indian National Congress. His career was further marred by legal troubles: in 2011, he was arrested and remanded to judicial custody for illicit sand mining in Nerur Vadabagam village, charged under IPC sections 147, 353, 506(i) and the Mines and Minerals Act. Now contesting again as an Independent at age 46, Palanisamy declares 'Farming' as his profession with minimal assets of ₹2.73 lakhs—surprisingly low for someone with decades in politics and former positions as MLA and MP. His affidavit declares zero criminal cases, which appears inconsistent with the 2011 sand mining arrest reported in media. With no visible recent public presence or social media activity, his candidacy appears to be that of a political veteran whose influence has waned significantly. Voters should know that while Palanisamy once held promise as MGR's protégé and the state's youngest legislator, his recent electoral performances show minimal public support, and the discrepancies between his affidavit declarations and his documented political career and legal history raise transparency concerns.