Sabareesan. D

V. Sabareesan, 32, is contesting from Salem (North) as an Independent candidate, though he is widely known as the son-in-law of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and a key strategist within the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party. While his affidavit declares his profession as 'Event Decorator' with assets of Rs. 7.75 lakhs, his actual role has been that of a political strategist who has operated behind the scenes, shaping campaign narratives and electoral strategy for the DMK. He has recently started appearing more publicly in political events and meetings, signaling a shift from backroom strategist to frontline political figure. The Salem (North) constituency has a competitive electoral history, with DMDK winning in 2011 (54.46% vote share) and DMK winning in both 2016 and 2021 elections. In 2021, DMK's R. Rajendran won with 93,432 votes (46.17%), defeating AIADMK's candidate who secured 42.42% of votes. Sabareesan's entry into direct electoral politics marks a significant departure from his previous low-profile role, though his decision to contest as an Independent despite his DMK connections raises questions. Controversy has followed Sabareesan's political activities. Income Tax raids targeted properties linked to him and CM Stalin's family ahead of assembly polls, and BJP leader K Annamalai has accused him of acting like a 'super CM' by allegedly moving around with government officials and using state machinery for political purposes. These allegations suggest tensions around the perceived influence of the Chief Minister's family in state governance. Voters should note the significant discrepancies between his affidavit declarations and his known political activities. His declared assets of Rs. 7.75 lakhs appear unusually low for someone of his political stature and family connections, especially considering the Income Tax raids on properties linked to him. His contesting as an Independent while being a DMK insider, and declaring 'Event Decorator' as profession while actually serving as a political strategist, raise transparency concerns that voters should carefully consider.