Kanimozhi, DMK’s National Face, Fielded Again From Thoothukkudi

Kanimozhi is DMK’s intellectual face. She is arguably the true torchbearer of her father’s cultural legacy. She is a poet, orator and thinker, and also staunch propagator of the Dravidian politics her father M Karunanidhi pioneered in Tamil Nadu for decades. Her presence is everywhere in the Chennai cultural circles, be it book releases, intellectual discussions, cultural festivals or movie screenings. Politics is in her blood and, however, her curriculum vitae is spread across to various fields. And Kanimozhi‘s candidature from Thoothukkudi is not a surprise to anyone who knows the life trajectory of the national face of Dravida Munnetta Kazhakam (DMK).

Chennai cultural festival Chennai Sangamam is her brainchild. She was, earlier in her career as a politician, was not noted for success of the village job fairs she organised. She stood with her INDIA alliance partners in each and every protest they undertook against the Modi government in Delhi.

Her first electoral fight in Thoothukudi that she won comfortably was not her first plunge into the politics, most importantly, national politics. Her foray into the national politics was not her choice, but the result of succession arrangements in the family.

There was a time when all Karunanidhi children perpetually engaged in the supremacy of the party. One decade ago, when the DMK patriarch was alive, it was mainly between former union minister and then Southern Tamil Nadu strongman MK Alagiri (Azhagiri), elder son of Karunanidhi and his second wife Dayalu Ammal, and current DMK supremo MK Stalin. The conflicts between both the brothers for Karunanidhi’s political legacy even led to street fights between the supporters of the leaders. But, Stalin prevailed, and according to reports, Alagiri is “looking after his farms in Madurai” after being expelled from the party in 2014 for anti-party activities.

But, all this while, Kanimozhi remained Karunanidhi’s conscience keeper. However, the daughter from Kalaignar (Artist)’s third marriage with Rajathi Ammal, had her own share of animosity and conflicts with half-brother Stalin. But, after Karunanidhi’s death in 2018, Stalin is seen giving Kanimozhi her due share in the party. She is now one of the deputy general secretaries of the party. She also heads the women’s wing of DMK, and the face of the party in Delhi.

In last October, Stalin called Kanimozhi as the “thunderous voice of Delhi” and in response she told her brother that she “will march along with you in all your struggles.”

Born on January 5, 1968, her political foray happened in 2007 when she entered Rajya Sabha. Kanimozhi’s political journey saw her rise through the ranks of the DMK, holding various significant positions within the party. Her tenure as a Member of Parliament (MP) representing Tamil Nadu in the Rajya Sabha (the upper house of the Indian Parliament) from 2007 to 2013 further solidified her standing in the political landscape.

Kanimozhi received her education at Dr. G.R. Damodaran College of Science in Coimbatore and later pursued a Master’s degree in Economics from the prestigious Ethiraj College for Women in Chennai.

She emerged as a prominent voice within the DMK, advocating for social justice, women’s empowerment, and the rights of marginalized communities. Her eloquence and dedication to the cause earned her widespread admiration and respect among party members and the electorate alike.

Beyond her legislative duties, Kanimozhi has been a tireless advocate for the advancement of women in Indian society. She has spoken out against gender discrimination and violence against women, emphasizing the importance of gender equality and female empowerment in achieving socio-economic progress. Her efforts in this regard have earned her recognition as a staunch feminist and a role model for women across Tamil Nadu and beyond.

In 2011, Kanimozhi found herself embroiled in a high-profile legal battle stemming from her alleged involvement in the 2G spectrum allocation scam. However, she vehemently denied any wrongdoing and maintained her innocence throughout the trial. On December 21 2017, a special court Delhi acquitted all accused in the 2G spectrum case including prime-accused Raja and Kanimozhi.

In addition to her political endeavors, Kanimozhi is also an accomplished writer and poet, with several works to her name. Her literary pursuits reflect her deep-rooted passion for Tamil culture and literature, further endearing her to the people of Tamil Nadu.