Karaikal representative: M Chandrakasu (57)The 57-year-old M Chandrakasu who became a minister for the second time represents Karaikal in the Cabinet. He won from Nedungadu (SC) constituency in Karaikal defeating Independent and Congress rebel candidate A Marimuthu.He first became a minister in the N Rangasamy government in 2001 holding the welfare and industries portfolio. He continued till he lost the 2006 elections to an independent candidate Marimuthu, who then contested as Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam rebel candidate from the same constituency.Son of Munisamy, he studied up to class VIII. He had also held the post of Speaker, Deputy Speaker and local administration minister. He is married with one daughter.First Timer: N G Paneerselvam (49)N G Paneerselvam (49) got his the first opportunity to become a minister after he was sworn in this evening. Though he became a nominated MLA in the previous Assembly, he won his first elections this time from Ozhukarai seat as AINRC nominee defeating his nearest rival A N Balane (Independent) by a margin of 1,566 votes in a three-cornered contest.Following the footsteps of his father, the veteran Communist leader and four- time MLA N Gurusamy, the third son Paneerselvam walked into politics five years ago. But he did not join CPI, instead he preferred PMK. A simple man, his sincerity and locality paid off and he was made the State convenor of the party, which he held for three-and-a-half years. During this time he not only became a nominated MLA, but also became the PMK convener.However, differences between him and PMK MLA R K R Anantharaman cropped up which led to his exit from the party. He joined All Indian NR Congress, which was formed at that time. He got the ticket to contest from Ozhukarai and the rest is history.Paneerselvam who holds an MCom degree initially worked as assistant accounts officer in Cooperative Spinning Mill at Lingareddipalayam. His wife is a government employee. Double Whammy: PML Kalayanasundaram (33)The 33-year-old PML Kalayanasundaram is one of the few who have become a minister on his maiden entry into the Legislative Assembly. Son of Periannan from Samipillaithottam, Kalyanasundaram studied up to Class X and was a human rights activist. Kalayanasundaram began his political career with the BJP and contested the 2006 elections from Lawspet on BJP ticket and lost to former Public Works Department Minister M O H Shajahan. However, his big day dawned when he defeated the same man from Kalapet constituency which is a new constituency curved out of Lawspet following delimitation, as AINRC candidate.Incidentally, Kalyanasundaram has six criminal cases pending against him, according to the affidavit filed by him.Government Scheme Crusaider: P Rajavelu (50)P Rajavelu (50) has become a minister for the second time after more than two decades. His first opportunity came when he became welfare minister in the DMK-JD government of MDR Ramachandran government from March 1990 to March 1991, after being elected for the first time on JD ticket.Son of S Perumal from Kirumampakkam, he entered politics following the footsteps of his brother Uthiravelu, who was leader of Opposition during the tenure of Congress government led by MOH Farook from 1985 to 1990. He was elected four times to the Assembly in 1990, 1991 as JD MLA and in 2001 as PMC MLA. Following merger of PMC with Congress he became the Government Whip. He remained in Congress till joining Rangasamy’s AINRC and winning. Though he had won all his elections from Bahour (SC), this is the first time he won from Embalam (SC), which he shifted to following delimitation of constituencies. His aim has been to ensure that the government schemes reach out to targeted beneficiaries. Married to Malathi, he has three daughters.
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