Thangam Thenarasu

Thangam Thenarasu, 59, is a senior DMK leader and current Finance Minister of Tamil Nadu, representing Tiruchuli constituency since 2011. Born on June 3, 1966, in Mallankinaru, Virudhunagar District, he comes from a political family — his father V. Thangapandian was a former DMK MLA from Aruppukottai, and his younger sister Thamizhachi Thangapandian is an MP from Chennai South. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and has had a distinguished political career spanning over two decades. Thenarasu's ministerial career includes significant portfolios: School Education Minister (2006–2011) where he championed the landmark Samacheer Kalvi education reform; Industries Minister (2021–2023) where he attracted major investments during the Global Investors' Meet; and currently serves as Finance and Human Resources Management Minister (2023–present), having also briefly held the Electricity portfolio. His electoral record is strong, having won five assembly elections with increasing margins — his 2021 victory in Tiruchuli was decisive with 59.15% vote share and a margin of 60,992 votes. However, Thenarasu's career is shadowed by serious legal challenges. He is currently facing trial in a disproportionate assets case filed by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Wing in 2012, covering his tenure as minister between 2006 and 2011. The Madras High Court has rejected discharge orders and directed the Special Court to proceed with framing charges, ordering daily hearings to expedite the trial. The case alleges accumulation of wealth beyond known sources of income during his ministerial tenure. Despite these legal proceedings, he continues to be active in development work, recently laying foundations for infrastructure projects including a Samathuvapuram residential complex and new bus stand in Tiruchuli. Voters should know that while Thenarasu brings substantial governance experience and has delivered on key welfare schemes like the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam for women and educational reforms, the ongoing corruption trial represents a significant concern. His assets have grown from ₹11.88 crore in 2021 to ₹19.56 crore currently — a 64.7% increase in five years — while simultaneously facing allegations related to asset accumulation in an earlier period. He remains a powerful figure within the DMK as Virudhunagar North District Secretary.