Moorthy P

P. Moorthy, 67, is a three-term MLA from Madurai East and currently serves as Tamil Nadu's Minister of Commercial Taxes, Registration, and Stamp Law since 2021. Born on July 15, 1965, in Madurai district, he has been a lifelong DMK member with deep roots in local politics. His electoral track record is impressive: he won Madurai East in 2006, recaptured it in 2016 with 50.62% vote share (margin of 32,772 votes), and strengthened his position in 2021 with 51.59% votes (margin of 49,604 votes). He lists agriculture as his profession alongside his legislative role, with declared assets of Rs 15.38 crore. However, Moorthy's ministerial tenure has been clouded by serious allegations. A massive property tax scam involving over Rs 200 crore in revenue losses rocked Madurai Corporation under his watch, with tampering of the Urban Tree Information System (UTIS) leading Chief Minister MK Stalin to order the resignation of all zonal chairpersons. At least eight individuals were arrested in connection with the scam. During the 2026 election campaign, AIADMK's candidate accused him of intimidating opposition workers and using money power, allegations that opposition leader Edappadi K Palaniswami also echoed regarding bribery in the registration department. Moorthy has strongly denied all corruption charges, challenging his critics to provide evidence and emphasizing that no irregular land registrations occurred under DMK's administration. He has defended the government's welfare initiatives, particularly the Kalaignar women's entitlement program, positioning himself as focused on governance and results rather than political rhetoric. As the head of the Commercial Taxes and Registration Department—a key revenue-generating arm of the state government—his role is crucial to Tamil Nadu's finances. Voters in Madurai East face a choice between a seasoned politician with proven electoral appeal and administrative experience, and one facing serious allegations of corruption and intimidation. While no criminal cases are declared in his affidavit and he has not been convicted, the ongoing controversies and his role overseeing the department implicated in the tax scam remain significant concerns for those evaluating his candidacy.