Ezhilan Naganathan

Dr. Ezhilan Naganathan, born June 27, 1979, is a medical practitioner-turned-politician who represents Thousand Lights constituency in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. The son of M. Naganathan, a close associate of former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and former Vice-Chairman of the Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission (2006-2011), Ezhilan grew up in a family steeped in Dravidian ideals. He earned his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Medicine from Madras Medical College, where he was a gold medalist in 2007 and received the B Braun Medical Award and Edward Norraday Award for academic excellence. During his medical career, he was instrumental in establishing an exclusive poison control center at MMC that saved thousands of lives from snake bites, scorpion stings, and pesticide poisonings across Tamil Nadu. Before entering politics, Ezhilan ran a private clinic in Teynampet offering free medical assistance to the poor, served at CSI Kalyani Mission Hospital for 10 years, and worked as a consulting physician at Aswenee Hospital and Kauvery Hospital. He founded the NGO MAX Medical Foundation to educate Tamil Nadu youth about scientific temperament and eradicate superstitions, conducting statewide health camps and first aid centers. As a social activist, he became known for his vocal opposition to NEET, NEP, NRC, and CAA through protests, public gatherings, and television debates. He also supported causes like the Sri Lankan Tamil Independence movement and the Kudankulam nuclear power plant protests. In 2021, Ezhilan joined the DMK to contest the Tamil Nadu State Assembly Elections from Thousand Lights constituency. He won decisively with 71,867 votes (53.41% vote share), defeating BJP's Khushbu Sundar by a margin of 32,462 votes (24.13%). As a first-time MLA, he has focused on flood mitigation in the low-lying Thousand Lights area, presenting solutions to the Thiruppugazh Committee that included creating 30 km of stormwater drains, clearing the Mambalam and Puliyur canals, and strengthening embankments. He is also a member of the Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission. In the 2026 elections, he has been renominated from Thousand Lights, where he faces AIADMK's former minister B. Valarmathi. Voters should know that Ezhilan combines medical expertise with grassroots activism and has a strong focus on social justice issues. His opposition to central government policies and exclusionary measures has made him a polarizing figure, but his supporters praise his problem-solving abilities and commitment to healthcare and development. He is married to R. Priyadarshini and has two children. His declared assets of Rs. 4.14 crore appear reasonable for a medical professional with his career trajectory, and he has no criminal cases or undisclosed liabilities.