Jayakumar. S

D. Jayakumar, 46 (though biographical sources indicate he was born September 18, 1960, making him approximately 64-65 years old), is a veteran AIADMK politician contesting from Perundurai, Tamil Nadu. Born in Royapuram, Chennai, he trained as an advocate before entering politics through AIADMK's student and youth wings. Over a 30-year political career, he has served in multiple high-profile positions including Finance Minister (2017), Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly (2011-2012), and Minister for Fisheries, Forests, Information Technology, Electricity, and Backward Classes across various AIADMK governments from 1991 to 2021. Jayakumar's electoral record from Royapuram constituency shows five wins (1991, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016) with vote shares ranging from 45-59%, but he suffered a significant defeat in 2021, securing only 30.46% against DMK's 53.56%. He has acknowledged that losing minority community support cost him the election and claims to have visited the constituency over 300 times in five years to rebuild trust. In March 2022, he was arrested in three cases including land-grab allegations and assaulting a DMK member, though he was granted bail and accused the DMK government of political vendetta. Currently serving as AIADMK's Organizing Secretary and member of its 11-member Steering Committee, Jayakumar remains a key figure in the party's strategy despite recent setbacks. He is married to Jayakumari with three children, including son J. Jayavardhan who is also politically active. His affidavit declares assets of Rs. 8.74 crore with liabilities of Rs. 4.21 crore and lists one criminal case, though media reports suggest multiple legal proceedings. Voters should note the discrepancy between his declared 'self-employed' profession and his documented career as a full-time politician and advocate, as well as the gap between declared criminal cases and reported arrests. Key voter concerns in his constituencies include livelihood issues for fishing communities, severe air pollution, contaminated drinking water, and his ability to deliver on AIADMK's manifesto promises including infrastructure development, free refrigerators, LPG cylinders, and solar panel subsidies.