Periakaruppan. Kr

K. R. Periyakaruppan, 66, is a veteran DMK politician from Tiruppattur who has represented the constituency continuously since 2006. Born on December 30, 1959, in Aralikkottai, Sivaganga district, he holds degrees in B.Com and LL.B. He joined DMK in 1981 and rose through party ranks to become district secretary in 1998. His electoral record is impressive: he won in 2006 (44.85%), 2011 (48.25%), 2016 (55.72%), and 2021 (49.39%), demonstrating consistent voter support. Currently serving as Minister for Cooperation since December 2022, he previously held portfolios including Rural Development and Hindu Religious Endowments. However, his career has been marred by serious controversy. In February 2012, the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) raided 11 properties belonging to him and his relatives across Tamil Nadu, investigating allegations of disproportionate assets accumulated during his 2006-2010 ministerial tenure. A case was registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act, though the current status of this investigation remains unclear. His affidavit declares zero criminal cases, raising questions about whether this case was resolved or is still pending. Despite holding multiple ministerial positions over two decades, voters in Tiruppattur have expressed frustration over unfulfilled infrastructure promises and persistent backwardness in the constituency. Critics argue that basic needs remain unmet despite his long tenure and powerful positions. His current declared assets stand at ₹27 crore (with ₹21 crore in movables and ₹5 crore in immovables), along with liabilities of ₹6.5 crore. He runs Gokul Bankers, aqua farms, and dairy farms as business ventures. Voters should weigh his electoral consistency and ministerial experience against the serious corruption allegations from 2012 and local dissatisfaction with development outcomes. The lack of clarity on the disproportionate assets case status and the gap between his declared zero criminal cases and the documented DVAC investigation warrant careful scrutiny. As Tamil Nadu heads into 2026 elections amid broader allegations against the DMK government, Periakaruppan's political resilience will be tested by an electorate demanding accountability and tangible development results.