Manian. O.S

O. S. Manian, 72, is a seasoned AIADMK politician from Vedharanyam constituency in Nagapattinam district, with a political career spanning over three decades. Born on April 29, 1954, in Oradiyampulam (now in Nagapattinam District), he completed his education up to Class XII at Khadir Mohideen College in Adirampattinam. A farmer by profession, Manian has demonstrated unwavering loyalty to the AIADMK, particularly to late Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, and has risen through party ranks to hold significant positions at both state and national levels. Manian's political journey includes serving as a Rajya Sabha member (1995-2001) and representing Mayiladuthurai in the Lok Sabha (2009-2014). He achieved a significant career milestone in May 2016 when Jayalalithaa appointed him as Minister for Handlooms and Textiles—his first cabinet post in the Tamil Nadu government. At the Assembly level, he has proven his electoral strength in Vedharanyam, winning in 2016 with 60,836 votes (41.44%) and improving his performance in 2021 with 78,719 votes (50.02%), defeating his DMK rival by 12,329 votes. During his tenure as MLA, he has been credited with development initiatives including reviving the temple car festival after 60 years, infrastructure improvements like concrete roads and bridge construction, dredging of Vedamirtham lake, desilting irrigation canals, and providing housing to Dalit communities along the Harichandra river. With declared assets of approximately Rs. 2.25 crore and liabilities of Rs. 32.84 lakh, Manian maintains a clean record with no criminal cases. His asset profile appears consistent with his background in agriculture and long political career. However, as he eyes a hat-trick victory in the 2026 elections, media reports suggest that persistent local grievances and challenges remain in Vedharanyam, which could test his electoral prospects. His lack of visible social media presence contrasts with the increasingly digital nature of political campaigns. Voters should know that Manian represents old-guard AIADMK politics—a dedicated party worker with substantial parliamentary and ministerial experience who has delivered tangible development work but faces the challenge of addressing ongoing local concerns in a constituency where the DMK remains a strong competitor. His political survival depends on balancing his loyalty to party leadership with effective constituency service in a region that has witnessed tight electoral contests.