E.Saroja W/O Elangovan

E. Saroja, 45, is contesting as an independent candidate from the Thuraiyur (SC) constituency in Tamil Nadu. She is the widow of E.V.K.S. Elangovan, a prominent Congress politician who passed away on December 14, 2024. Her husband had a distinguished political career spanning four decades—he was first elected to Lok Sabha from Sathyamangalam in 1984, served as Union Minister of State for Petroleum, Natural Gas, Commerce and Industry, and won the Erode East by-election in March 2023, representing the constituency until his death. Elangovan was the grandnephew of social reformer Periyar and son of E.V.K. Sampath, making him part of Tamil Nadu's prominent Dravidian political lineage. With declared assets of Rs. 17.34 lakhs (primarily movable assets of Rs. 17.19 lakhs and minimal immovable assets of Rs. 15,000) and education up to 8th standard, Saroja lists her profession as 'Labour'. She has no criminal cases and no liabilities. However, her late husband's political career was not without controversy. In 2015, Elangovan faced multiple legal issues including anticipatory bail granted by Madras High Court in a criminal intimidation case filed by a former employee, and criminal charges under Section 354 IPC for allegedly using 'filthy language' against the then Mahila Congress chief S. Vijayadharani. He also faced massive protests from AIADMK and condemnation from BJP in August 2015 for making derogatory remarks about a meeting between PM Modi and CM Jayalalithaa. Contesting as an independent from Thuraiyur (SC), a reserved constituency, Saroja faces significant challenges in Tamil Nadu's bipolar political landscape dominated by the DMK-led alliance and AIADMK. After Elangovan's death, the Erode East by-election in February 2025 was won by DMK's V.C. Chandhirakumar, defeating the Congress candidate K.S. Thennarasu. Voters should note that while Saroja has no personal political track record, she comes from a family with deep Dravidian political roots. However, without major party backing and with limited assets and education, her ability to deliver development and navigate complex legislative processes remains uncertain. Her candidacy appears largely symbolic, possibly trading on her late husband's legacy in the absence of established political credentials of her own.