D. Jayakumar

D. Jayakumar, 65, is a veteran AIADMK leader who has been the political face of Royapuram constituency for over three decades. Born on September 18, 1960, in Royapuram, Chennai, he completed his BSc from Pachayappas College and law degree from Madras Law College before entering politics. He has represented Royapuram in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly for five non-consecutive terms (1991, 2001, 2006, 2011, and 2016), holding key ministerial portfolios including Finance, Fisheries, IT, Electricity, and Law. His most distinguished role was serving as Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from May 2011 to September 2012. However, his affidavit declares 2 criminal cases with serious charges including attempt to murder (IPC 307), rioting with deadly weapons (IPC 148), wrongful confinement (IPC 342), and electoral offenses (IPC 171C). Jayakumar's political fortunes took a downturn in 2021 when he lost his stronghold seat to DMK's Idream R. Murthy by over 27,000 votes, securing only 30.46% of the vote. He controversially blamed the BJP alliance for his defeat, stating 'I was the uncrowned king of Royapuram. I lost because of the BJP alliance.' Ironically, he is now contesting the 2026 elections with the same AIADMK-BJP alliance. The constituency, once an AIADMK bastion, has shifted, with voters concerned about fisherfolk livelihoods, severe air pollution, and contaminated drinking water. Jayakumar's campaign emphasizes his personal connections and financial support to constituents during crises, positioning 'personal touch' against DMK's welfare schemes. As AIADMK's Organizing Secretary and member of the 11-member Steering Committee since October 2020, Jayakumar remains influential in party decision-making. His declared assets stand at Rs. 5.33 crore with liabilities of Rs. 32.34 lakh, which appears reasonable for a lawyer-turned-politician with multiple ministerial tenures. Despite his experience and local roots, he faces an uphill battle to reclaim Royapuram, struggling to regain minority support that shifted to DMK in 2021. Voters should weigh Jayakumar's extensive governance experience and local connections against the serious criminal charges in his affidavit, his contradictory stance on the BJP alliance, and his recent electoral defeat. His five-decade political journey offers administrative expertise, but the criminal cases involving violence and electoral offenses, along with his inability to retain his traditional stronghold, raise questions about his current political standing and accountability.