A. Sozhan

Dr. A. Sozhan (also known as Sozhan Anbu), 42, is a practicing dentist who runs the Anbu Thanam Dental Hospital in Kattumannarkoil, Tamil Nadu. As a Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) candidate, he represents a regional party primarily focused on the Vanniyar caste interests and allied with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance. Sozhan has declared assets of approximately Rs. 1.97 crores with liabilities of Rs. 30 lakhs, and maintains a clean record with zero criminal cases. His professional background as a graduate dentist aligns with his declared income sources. Sozhan's political career has been marked by persistent effort but limited electoral success. In the 2016 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Elections, he contested from Kattumannarkoil and secured 25,890 votes (15.67%), finishing behind the AIADMK candidate and narrowly losing to VCK's Thol. Thirumavalavan by just 87 votes. He contested again in 2021 but lost to VCK's Sinthanai Selvan, who won with 86,056 votes (49.20%). Despite two consecutive defeats, Sozhan has remained loyal to the PMK without switching parties, demonstrating political consistency in a challenging constituency. Kattumannarkoil is an agrarian constituency in Cuddalore district with significant Dalit and Vanniyar populations, making it a contested seat with close electoral battles. The constituency faces serious challenges including unfulfilled farmer demands, water rights issues related to Veeranam lake, and agricultural distress. Sozhan's party PMK is currently navigating a severe internal crisis with a leadership dispute between founder Dr. S. Ramadoss and his son Anbumani Ramadoss, which could impact electoral prospects. For the upcoming elections, PMK has been allotted this constituency as part of the AIADMK-led NDA alliance, setting up another competitive contest with the incumbent VCK. Voters should note that while Sozhan brings professional healthcare credentials and political persistence, he faces the dual challenge of overcoming past electoral defeats and his party's internal turmoil.