Udhayakumar.R.B

R. B. Udhayakumar, 52, is a senior AIADMK leader who has served continuously in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly since 2011. Born on April 10, 1973, in Madurai, he holds a postgraduate degree (M.A.) and practiced as a lawyer before entering politics. He has held multiple ministerial portfolios including Information Technology (2011), Sports and Youth Welfare (2013-2014), and most significantly, Revenue and Disaster Management (2015-2021) under Chief Ministers J. Jayalalithaa, O. Panneerselvam, and Edappadi K. Palaniswami. His career has seen both highs and setbacks—he was notably sacked as IT Minister in November 2011 during a cabinet reshuffle by Jayalalithaa, but bounced back to become one of the longest-serving Revenue Ministers in recent Tamil Nadu history. Currently serving as Deputy Leader of Opposition since February 2024, Udhayakumar represents Thirumangalam constituency, having shifted from Sattur in 2016. He has won three consecutive assembly elections (2011, 2016, 2021), though his vote share has declined from 58.32% in 2011 to 45.51% in 2021, reflecting the broader challenges faced by AIADMK in recent years. He belongs to the Thevar community, a politically significant caste in southern Tamil Nadu. His affidavit declares 4 criminal cases related to unlawful assembly, public nuisance, and wrongful restraint—charges commonly associated with political protests and public demonstrations in Tamil Nadu politics. Udhayakumar has been active in opposition politics, particularly criticizing the DMK government on development issues like the Google AI hub controversy. However, no specific recent FIRs, corruption allegations, or major scandals have been reported against him personally. As a senior AIADMK leader with 15 years of legislative experience and multiple ministerial stints, he represents the party's established guard. Voters should note his extensive administrative experience, particularly in revenue and disaster management, balanced against declining electoral margins and limited visible social media or grassroots engagement compared to newer generation politicians.