K. G. Arunraj

K. G. Arunraj is a political leader from Tamil Nadu representing the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Originally from Salem, he is known for an uncommon combination of experience in medicine, administration, and politics, which has made him one of the notable professional entrants into contemporary Tamil Nadu public life. His transition from doctor to civil servant and later politician has drawn attention as a new-generation leadership profile.

He completed his MBBS from Madras Medical College and began his professional journey in the healthcare sector. During his early career, he worked in rural medical service and treated people in villages across Krishnagiri district. This period gave him direct exposure to everyday grassroots issues such as healthcare shortages, livelihood struggles, infrastructure gaps, and access to government services, helping shape his later public-service orientation.

In 2009, he took a different path after successfully clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination and joining the Indian Revenue Service (IRS). Over the years, he served in postings across Tamil Nadu, Bihar, and Maharashtra, gaining experience in taxation, enforcement, governance systems, and public administration. His shift from medicine to civil service marked a significant expansion of his professional role.

He came into wider public prominence through several major enforcement operations during his IRS tenure. Among the most discussed was a 2016 high-profile tax raid in which around ₹90 crore in cash was seized, an operation that received substantial media attention and strengthened his reputation as an effective officer handling sensitive assignments.

In May 2025, he opted for voluntary retirement from the IRS to enter active politics. He joined Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, the party founded by actor Vijay, and was appointed General Secretary (Policy and Propaganda). In this senior organisational role, he was entrusted with party strategy, campaign communication, policy messaging, and public outreach during TVK’s formative political phase.

His political identity today is shaped by a blend of medical service, grassroots understanding, administrative discipline, and organisational leadership. This combination has positioned him as a prominent new-generation face within TVK, particularly in regions where the party seeks to expand beyond traditional political structures.

Contesting from Tiruchengodu in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election, he delivered a clear win for TVK by polling 79,500 votes and defeating his nearest challenger by 28,172 votes, earning his first term in the Assembly.

He took oath as a Member of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on May 10, 2026, after winning the Assembly election.