Chezhiyan P

P. Chezhiyan is a 56-year-old businessman and politician affiliated with the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), contesting from the Rishivandiyam constituency in Tamil Nadu. With a 10th standard education, he has declared assets worth approximately Rs. 7.34 crore, comprising movable assets of Rs. 2.12 crore and immovable assets of Rs. 5.22 crore. His affidavit shows one pending criminal case registered in 2025 at Tirukovilur Police Station in Kallakurichi district, though details of the charges are not fully specified. Chezhiyan's political journey includes contesting the 2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections from Rishivandiyam as the PMK candidate, where he lost to K. Karthikeyan of the DMK. Karthikeyan secured a decisive victory with 113,912 votes (53.56%), indicating a significant electoral challenge for Chezhiyan and the PMK in this constituency. The Rishivandiyam seat has historically been competitive, with the DMK maintaining a strong presence, while the PMK has struggled to make significant inroads despite consistent participation. The PMK, founded by Dr. S. Ramadoss in 1989, primarily represents the Vanniyar community in Tamil Nadu and is currently part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The party has experienced significant internal turmoil recently, with a leadership dispute in 2025 between founder Dr. S. Ramadoss and his son Anbumani Ramadoss leading to the formation of a splinter faction called the Ayya Pattali Makkal Katchi (APMK). This internal conflict adds uncertainty to the party's stability and electoral prospects. Voters in Rishivandiyam should note that while Chezhiyan represents a party with strong community roots, he faces an uphill electoral battle in a DMK-dominated constituency. His business background and declared assets suggest financial stability, though his previous electoral performance indicates he has yet to build a winning coalition. The pending criminal case and limited public documentation about his development work or governance vision are factors voters should consider when making their decision.