Vijayabaskar. C

C. Vijayabaskar, 52, is a seasoned AIADMK politician and physician (MBBS from Rajah Muthiah Medical College, Chidambaram) who has represented Viralimalai constituency in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly since 2011. He previously won from Pudukkottai in 2001 and served as Tamil Nadu's Health Minister from 2013 to 2021 under chief ministers J. Jayalalithaa, O. Panneerselvam, and Edappadi K. Palaniswami. His political career spans over two decades of uninterrupted AIADMK loyalty and multiple electoral victories. However, Vijayabaskar's tenure has been marred by serious corruption allegations. In October 2021, the DVAC registered a case against him for allegedly acquiring disproportionate assets worth ₹27 crore during his 2016-2021 ministerial period. More damaging were the April 2017 Income Tax raids that uncovered documents allegedly showing an AIADMK plan to bribe RK Nagar by-election voters with ₹89 crore, directly implicating Vijayabaskar as Health Minister. He was also accused of obstructing IT officials during these raids, leading to FIRs against fellow ministers, and faced a pending CBI investigation as of 2018. Despite these controversies, Vijayabaskar has maintained electoral success, winning Viralimalai in 2011, 2016, and 2021. He attributes corruption charges to political vendetta by opposition parties, particularly the DMK, and emphasizes his development work and deep connection with constituents. His current affidavit declares assets of ₹51.95 crore with liabilities of ₹23.21 crore, but lists his profession as 'NIL' despite his medical background and decades-long political career. He is married to Ramya and has two daughters. Voters should weigh Vijayabaskar's long political experience, healthcare expertise, and consistent electoral victories against the serious, pending corruption allegations involving substantial sums. The disproportionate assets case and bribery scheme allegations remain unresolved, while his 12 declared criminal cases include charges of cheating, forgery, and criminal conspiracy. The 2026 election will test whether his local credibility can withstand intensified scrutiny of these financial irregularities.