Arul .S

There is a significant identity discrepancy that voters must note. The affidavit shows 'Arul .S' as a 31-year-old welder with assets of Rs. 1.21 lakh contesting as an Independent. However, web search reveals Arul Ramadas (R. Arul) as the current sitting MLA from Salem West since 2021, serving as PMK's Salem district secretary. If these are the same person, there are serious concerns about the declared profession and assets being vastly understated for a sitting MLA. Arul Ramadas won the Salem West constituency in the 2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections as a PMK candidate, defeating DMK's A. Rajendran by 21,499 votes. He previously contested the same seat in 2016 but lost to AIADMK's G. Venkatachalam by 7,247 votes. Known for innovation in constituent services, he became the first MLA in India to launch a mobile MLA office, meeting people at their locations to address their problems directly. He also created a website to maintain communication with voters. However, his political career hit turbulence in 2025 when PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss expelled him from the party for alleged anti-party activities. He is now contesting as an Independent, though some sources mention a PMK(R) faction affiliation. The stark difference between the affidavit details (welder with minimal assets) and his known profile as a sitting MLA raises questions about complete disclosure or possible identity confusion. Voters should carefully verify whether this Independent candidate 'Arul .S' is indeed the same person as sitting MLA Arul Ramadas, and if so, why there are such significant discrepancies in declared profession and assets. The lack of clarity on this fundamental issue is concerning for informed voting.