Senthamizhan. G

G. Senthamizhan, 63, is a post-graduate advocate and experienced politician now contesting from Saidapet constituency on an Amma Makkal Munnettra Kazhagam (AMMK) ticket. He previously represented the same constituency as an AIADMK member, winning consecutive elections in 2006 with 46.24% vote share (defeating PMK's C.R. Baskaran) and 2011 with 51.78% vote share (defeating DMK's M. Msh Kumaar with 79,856 votes). His political career reached its peak when he was appointed Minister for Information, Law and Courts under Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, but suffered a major setback in November 2011 when he was dismissed from the cabinet, allegedly for attempting to influence police to release AIADMK party members during Jayalalithaa's third cabinet reshuffle within five months. Senthamizhan's fortunes declined further in the 2016 Assembly elections when he lost his Saidapet seat to DMK's Ma. Subramanian, securing only 50,786 votes (31.91%) compared to Subramanian's 80,194 votes (50.38%)—a dramatic reversal from his previous victories. His 2016 defeat was reportedly part of AIADMK's broader strategy to replace sitting MLAs in flood-affected areas with fresh faces to counter anti-incumbency sentiment. An academically inclined politician, Senthamizhan holds an M.L. degree from Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. on Constitutional Amendments in India from 1950 to date. Now aligned with TTV Dhinakaran's AMMK after splits within the AIADMK, Senthamizhan is making another bid to reclaim his former constituency. He declares assets worth Rs. 3.23 crore (including movable assets of Rs. 1.14 crore and immovable assets of Rs. 2.09 crore) with liabilities of Rs. 1.25 crore. While his affidavit shows zero criminal cases, voters should note his 2011 ministerial dismissal for alleged police interference. His recent media presence has been minimal, with coverage focusing primarily on his AMMK candidacy rather than specific development work or policy initiatives. Voters should weigh Senthamizhan's legislative experience and legal education against his controversial ministerial exit and significant electoral defeat in 2016. His ability to reconnect with Saidapet voters after an eight-year absence, now under a different party banner, will be crucial to his political comeback.