Ruby.R.Manoharan

Ruby R. Manoharan, 66, is a Chennai-based real estate developer turned politician who represents Nanguneri constituency in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly for the Indian National Congress. Born on May 25, 1959, in Kanyakumari District, Manoharan served in the Army before entering the real estate business, running 'Ruby Developers' with multiple residential projects in Tambaram and surrounding areas. Despite holding only a 10th-grade education, he built a substantial business empire worth over ₹141 crore according to his current affidavit, making him one of the wealthiest MLAs in Tamil Nadu. Manoharan's political career has been marked by both electoral success and controversy. He lost the 2019 Nanguneri by-election to AIADMK's V. Reddiarpatti Narayanan by a significant margin (36.28% vs 55.88%), but made a comeback in 2021, winning with 75,902 votes (39.74%) against the AIADMK candidate. However, his tenure has been marred by legal issues — his affidavit lists 6 criminal cases including assault on public servants, wrongful restraint, public nuisance, and illegal property bidding. Most significantly, in November 2022, he was suspended from the Congress party for his involvement in violence at the party's Chennai headquarters, raising questions about his conduct and discipline. As MLA, Manoharan has been involved in the development of the Nanguneri Multi-product Special Economic Zone, with the Tamil Nadu government planning to acquire approximately 1,000 acres for joint development with SIPCOT in December 2021. His assets have grown from ₹100.63 crore in 2021 to ₹141.49 crore currently (a 40.6% increase), while his liabilities jumped from ₹12.29 crore to ₹22.63 crore. Despite his party suspension and legal cases, he continues to contest as the INC candidate. Voters in Nanguneri face a complex choice: a wealthy businessman with development experience and Army service background, but one whose tenure has been clouded by criminal cases, party disciplinary action for violence, and rapidly growing assets and liabilities. His minimal social media presence and limited public engagement also raise questions about accessibility and transparency for a sitting MLA.