Anitha R. Radhakrishnan

Anitha R. Radhakrishnan, 73, is a six-term MLA from Tiruchendur constituency who has navigated a remarkable but controversial political career spanning over two decades and two rival parties. Born on September 19, 1951, in Thandupathu village, Thoothukudi district, this 10th-pass politician rose through grassroots activism to become a cabinet minister in both AIADMK and DMK governments. She has held important portfolios including Animal Husbandry, Housing & Urban Development, and currently serves as Minister for Fisheries, Fishermen Welfare, and Animal Husbandry in the DMK government. Her electoral record is impressive—winning Tiruchendur in 2001 and 2006 as an AIADMK candidate, then switching to DMK after her 2009 expulsion for alleged anti-party activities and winning four consecutive elections (2009 by-election, 2011, 2016, 2021) on the DMK ticket. Her victory margins have been substantial, including a commanding 67.81% vote share in the 2009 by-election and consistently defeating AIADMK rivals by significant margins, most recently winning 50.58% against AIADMK's 36.10% in 2021. This demonstrates her ability to maintain voter loyalty despite party switches and controversies. However, her political career is severely marred by serious legal troubles. The Enforcement Directorate has attached properties worth Rs. 6.50 crore in a money laundering investigation related to allegations that she accumulated disproportionate assets worth Rs. 2.07 crore during her 2001-2006 tenure as Housing Minister in the AIADMK government. The Madras High Court has granted an interim stay on trial proceedings in this case. Additionally, she faces criminal charges including assault and wrongful confinement. While she was acquitted in one attempt-to-murder case in 2023 for want of evidence, the Madras High Court refused to quash another criminal case against her involving an alleged assault on a DMK colleague in 2011, where she was added as accused during trial proceedings. Voters in Tiruchendur face a complex choice: a seasoned politician with proven electoral appeal and administrative experience across multiple portfolios, but one whose integrity is under serious judicial scrutiny. Her assets have grown from Rs. 5.29 crore in 2021 to Rs. 8.64 crore in 2025—a 63% increase in just four years—with movable assets increasing by 170%, raising questions particularly given the ongoing disproportionate assets case. Despite these challenges, she remains confident about DMK's prospects, predicting a 50,000-vote victory margin in the upcoming 2026 elections.