A Shanmugavel

A. Shanmugavel (listed in affidavit) appears to be C. Shanmugavelu, a 60-year-old veteran politician with a turbulent political journey spanning over two decades in Tamil Nadu politics. He rose through AIADMK ranks to serve as MLA for 15 consecutive years (2001-2016), representing Udumalpet constituency twice (2001, 2006) and Madathukulam once (2011). His political peak came when he was appointed Minister for Rural Industries in 2011, though this was short-lived as he was sacked later that year during Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's cabinet reshuffle. His electoral fortunes have dramatically reversed. After winning Madathukulam in 2011 with a commanding 54.71% vote share, he switched to TTV Dhinakaran's AMMK party and suffered a crushing defeat in 2021, securing just 3.58% of votes. This 51-percentage-point collapse represents one of the steepest declines for a sitting MLA in Tamil Nadu politics. He now contests as an independent candidate, having declared minimal assets of Rs. 14.41 lakhs and his profession as 'wages work' (daily wage laborer), despite his extensive political career. The discrepancy between his declared profession and known political history raises questions about transparency. A former MLA and minister declaring himself as a daily wage worker with assets under Rs. 15 lakhs is unusual given the salaries, allowances, and pension benefits associated with such positions. Voters should note that he has no criminal cases declared, but his political relevance appears significantly diminished with no visible social media presence or recent public engagement. His candidacy as an independent, after party switches from AIADMK to AMMK, suggests a politician attempting a comeback without organizational backing in a constituency where he once commanded majority support.