Kadambur Raju.C

Kadambur C. Raju, born August 20, 1959, is a 66-year-old veteran AIADMK legislator who has represented the Kovilpatti constituency since 2011. Over three consecutive election victories, his vote share has varied significantly—from a commanding 55.85% in 2011 to narrower wins of 38.96% in 2016 and 38.13% in 2021—reflecting the increasingly competitive electoral landscape in the region. His political career reached its peak when he was appointed Minister for Information and Publicity in May 2016 by then Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, a position he held until May 2021. Raju's tenure has not been without controversy. In April 2017, police filed an FIR against him and two other AIADMK ministers for allegedly obstructing income tax officials conducting raids at the residence of actor-politician Sarathkumar. This incident corresponds to the criminal charges declared in his affidavit, including sections related to obstructing public servants in discharge of their duties. More recently, in July 2025, Raju found himself clarifying alleged remarks about the 1998 AIADMK-BJP split being a 'historic blunder,' claiming his comments were twisted out of context during a joint meeting of BJP and AIADMK functionaries. During the internal AIADMK power struggle following Jayalalithaa's death in December 2016, Raju positioned himself in the camp demanding V.K. Sasikala become Chief Minister, rebelling against then-CM O. Panneerselvam. This demonstrates his active involvement in party faction politics. With declared assets of Rs. 4.87 crores and liabilities of Rs. 1.81 crores, his financial position appears consistent with a long-serving legislator and former minister. Voters in Kovilpatti should know that Raju is an experienced politician with ministerial experience and three-term legislative track record, but also someone who has faced legal issues related to obstructing government officials and has been involved in internal party power struggles. His declining vote share over successive elections suggests a more competitive political environment, even as he has managed to retain his seat.