Saminathan. T

M.P. Saminathan, 56, is a veteran DMK politician currently serving as Minister for Information and Publicity in Tamil Nadu's 16th Legislative Assembly. Born in Erode and hailing from Muthur in Tiruppur District, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from PSG College of Arts & Science, Coimboo. His political career spans over 25 years, marked by significant victories, setbacks, and a notable comeback. Saminathan burst onto the political scene in 1996 at age 32, defeating former minister Durai Ramasamy to win the Vellakoil constituency. He went on to achieve a hat-trick of victories in 2001 and 2006, serving as Minister for Highways and Minor Ports during the 2006-2011 term under the DMK government. However, after the Vellakoil constituency was abolished in 2011, he faced two consecutive electoral defeats in 2011 and 2016, marking a challenging period in his political career. His fortunes reversed in 2021 when he successfully contested from Kangayam constituency and was appointed Minister for Information & Publicity in Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's cabinet. Throughout his career, Saminathan has remained loyal to the DMK without any party-switching. However, there is a notable discrepancy: the affidavit data shows him contesting from Vedasandur constituency, while web sources consistently identify him as the Kangayam MLA, raising questions about identity verification or potential confusion with another candidate. Voters should note that while Saminathan has demonstrated political resilience and ministerial experience, his recent tenure has generated limited public visibility in terms of major development announcements or controversies. His declared assets of ₹25 crore with ₹9 crore in liabilities appear substantial for someone with business and agricultural interests. One criminal case is declared in the affidavit, though details are not specified and web searches found no major legal controversies.