S.P.Velumani

S.P. Velumani, 56, is a four-term MLA from Thondamuthur constituency in Coimbatore and one of AIADMK's most powerful regional leaders in western Tamil Nadu. Born on May 10, 1969, in Sugunapuram, Kuniyamuthur, he holds an M.Phil. from Annamalai University and rose through AIADMK ranks from grassroots organizing to become a key cabinet minister. During 2014-2021, he served as Minister for Municipal Administration, Rural Development, Law, and Implementation of Special Programmes under the AIADMK government, wielding significant influence over urban and rural infrastructure projects across Tamil Nadu. Velumani's political strength lies in his deep grassroots connectivity and reputation as a responsive local leader. He has won Thondamuthur consecutively since 2006, defeating opponents by substantial margins — 53,203 votes in 2011, 64,041 votes in 2016, and 41,630 votes in 2021, consistently securing over 50% vote share. His supporters credit him with tangible development work including the creation of Thondamuthur Taluk, expansion of rural road networks, establishment of government colleges, and improvements in drinking water and civic amenities. He maintains visible presence in community life, personally attending temple events, weddings, and providing financial assistance to constituents, earning him a loyal voter base. However, Velumani faces serious corruption allegations that have significantly tarnished his image beyond his constituency. Since the DMK government took power in 2021, the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) has launched multiple investigations against him, including FIRs for awarding tenders worth ₹346.81 crore to companies allegedly linked to his relatives (2014-2018), disproportionate assets worth ₹58.93 crore with raids at 26 locations (2022), LED streetlight scam causing ₹500 crore loss (2015-2018), and storm water drain tender manipulation worth ₹26.61 crore filed in September 2024. The Madras High Court in 2026 dismissed his petition challenging an Income Tax assessment order related to ₹7 crore cash allegedly distributed during 2016 elections and refused to stay DVAC FIRs, allowing investigations to continue. Voters should know that while Velumani has a proven track record of development work and electoral success in Thondamuthur with strong local support, he faces 12 criminal cases including 6 serious IPC charges in his affidavit, plus multiple ongoing corruption investigations involving hundreds of crores of rupees. His declared profession as 'Agriculture' contradicts his full-time political and ministerial career spanning nearly two decades. The AIADMK maintains these are 'vendetta cases' by the ruling DMK, but courts have allowed investigations to proceed. As he contests the 2026 elections for a fifth consecutive term, voters must weigh his development credentials against serious allegations of misuse of ministerial power for personal gain.