Periyasamy I.

I. Periyasamy is a senior Tamil Nadu politician and one of the prominent leaders of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. Born on 6 January 1953 in Batlagundu, he has played an influential role in state politics for several decades. Known as a strong grassroots organiser in the Dindigul district region, he has remained an important face of the party’s southern Tamil Nadu network.

He began his political rise through local governance, serving as Chairman of the Batlagundu Union in the 1980s. He was first elected to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from Athoor constituency in 1989. Over the years, he became one of the most successful leaders from Athoor, winning multiple elections there and building a loyal voter base.

Periyasamy has held several ministerial portfolios in Tamil Nadu governments led by M. Karunanidhi and M. K. Stalin. He served as Minister for Small Industries and Noon Meal (1996–2001), Revenue and Housing (2006–2011), Co-operation (2021–2022), and later Rural Development and Panchayats. His administrative career reflects long-term trust within the DMK leadership.

He is also known for maintaining political influence in Dindigul district, where analysts have described him as a key regional strategist for the DMK. In recent years, he remained relevant in pre-2026 state politics and continued contesting from Athoor.

Personally, he is the father of I. P. Senthil Kumar, who is also active in Tamil Nadu politics. His family’s presence in public life has added to the Periyasamy political legacy in the region.

In the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election, he contested from Athoor as the DMK candidate and secured 106,240 votes. He defeated his nearest rival by 22,368 votes, posting a comfortable win and returning to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.