Velu. E.V

E.V. Velu (Ethirajulu Vajjaravelu), 76, is a veteran politician who has represented Tiruvannamalai constituency since 2011 and currently serves as Minister of Public Works, Highways, and Minor Ports in M.K. Stalin's cabinet since 2021. Born on March 15, 1951, in Koovanur near Manalurpet in Kallakurichi district to a Telugu Gavara Balija family, Velu's political journey spans nearly four decades. He began with the AIADMK and was first elected from Thandarambattu constituency in 1984, but switched to DMK in 1997—a decision that shaped his subsequent political ascent. Velu's ministerial experience includes serving as Minister for Food and Civil Supplies under M. Karunanidhi from 2006 to 2011, and his current role overseeing infrastructure and highway development. His 2021 electoral victory by a margin of 94,673 votes demonstrates his strong grassroots support, built through effective organizational networking and alignment with DMK's welfare-focused policies. However, his tenure has not been without controversy. In November 2023, Income Tax authorities conducted raids at properties associated with him for five consecutive days, though no specific charges have been publicly disclosed. Additionally, he faced political backlash in March 2026 for controversial remarks about the term 'India', which he later clarified. Despite his infrastructure portfolio, Velu faces criticism from Tiruvannamalai residents over persistent civic issues including poor solid waste management near the temple town and inadequate infrastructure around the Girivalam path—concerns that have featured prominently in local media coverage ahead of the 2026 elections. The political landscape is also shifting, with BJP's vote share surging from under 2,000 in 2016 to over 43,000 in 2021, signaling growing competition in what has traditionally been a DMK stronghold. Voters should know that while Velu brings extensive administrative experience and has delivered on several welfare initiatives, questions remain about infrastructure delivery in his own constituency and the unresolved matter of Income Tax scrutiny. His ability to address local grievances while managing state-level infrastructure responsibilities will likely determine his political future in an increasingly competitive electoral environment.