Kathiravan. S

S. Kathiravan, 51, is a first-term DMK MLA representing Manachanallur constituency in Tamil Nadu since May 12, 2021. Born October 12, 1975, into the prominent Reddiar business family, he is the son of A. Srinivasan, founder of the Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Groups that owns medical colleges, hospitals, engineering colleges, schools, sugar mills, chit funds, transport companies, and hotels. An engineering graduate from PSNA College, Kathiravan entered politics relatively late, joining DMK in 2021 and immediately winning election with a commanding 59.46% vote share and margin of 59,618 votes against AIADMK's M. Paranjothi. As MLA, Kathiravan has focused on infrastructure development in his constituency, with Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin crediting him with completing ₹55 crore worth of works in government schools and helping thousands of youth secure employment. His development agenda includes roads, drinking water supply, streetlights, drainage, sanitation, healthcare, and education improvements under the 'Dravidian Model 2.0' framework. He has maintained strong accessibility to constituents and received enthusiastic responses during campaign visits to panchayats across Manachanallur. However, Kathiravan's tenure has been marred by controversy. In August 2025, his family-owned Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Medical College and Hospital in Perambalur faced government action over alleged illegal kidney transplants. The Tamil Nadu government dismissed the hospital's transplant licenses after an inquiry found violations of the Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994. While Kathiravan denied personal benefit and claimed the transplants were done as 'service,' the incident raised questions about oversight of his family's extensive medical and educational institutions. Voters should note that Kathiravan's affidavit declares 14 criminal cases (though with no details on charges), assets worth ₹153 crore, and liabilities of ₹37 crore. His substantial wealth comes from family business interests, but the lack of transparency about specific holdings and the nature of his 14 criminal cases raises concerns about complete disclosure. He is currently seeking re-election for a second term, with DMK leadership actively supporting his campaign.