R. Vaithilingam

R. Vaithilingam is an Indian politician from Tamil Nadu and a former minister who has represented the Orathanadu constituency as an MLA. A senior leader with long experience in state and parliamentary politics, he has handled key portfolios such as Forest & Environment and Housing & Urban Development, and also served as a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament.

After parting ways with the AIADMK, he joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in January 2026, marking a new phase in his political career.

By Rashmi | Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 11:12:54 AM [IST]

R. Vaithilingam Biography

R. Vaithilingam was born and raised in Orathanadu, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, and entered politics through the AIADMK, rising to prominence in state legislative affairs. He was first elected MLA from Orathanadu in 2001 and subsequently re-elected in 2006 and 2011, reflecting strong local support. During his tenure with the party, he held ministerial portfolios including Forest & Environment (2001–2006) and Housing & Urban Development (2011–2016) in the Tamil Nadu government.

On 3 June 2016, he was elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha representing Tamil Nadu, serving until 10 May 2021 before returning to state electoral politics and winning the Orathanadu Assembly seat in 2021.

In July 2022, Vaithilingam was expelled from the AIADMK along with O. Panneerselvam over internal party conflicts, marking a major shift in his political career.

As of January 2026, Vaithilingam continues to serve as the MLA for Orathanadu and has officially joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), marking a new chapter in his political career.

R. Vaithilingam Personal Life

Full Name	R. Vaithilingam
Date of Birth	14 Jan 1955 (Age 71)
Place of Birth	Tanjavur, Tamil Nadu
Party Name	Dravida Munetra Kazhagam
Education
Father's Name	Rengasamy
Mother's Name	NA
Spouse's Name	NA
Children	2 Son(s)
Religion	Hindu
Website	NA

R. Vaithilingam Net Worth

Net Worth

₹1.52 CRORE

ASSETS

₹2.3 CRORE

Liabilities

₹78.27 LAKHS

Political Timeline of R. Vaithilingam

2026: Joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), marking a new phase in his political career.
2025: Continued as MLA, Orathanadu; engagements include advocating party unity and constituency development.
2022: Expelled from AIADMK for anti-party activities.
2021: Re-elected MLA, Orathanadu (fourth term).
2017-2022: Served as Deputy Co-ordinator, AIADMK (position abolished).
2016- 2021: Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha (Tamil Nadu).
2016: Lost the Orathanadu Assembly election to M. Ramachandran.
2011: Re-elected MLA, Orathanadu (third term); appointed Minister for Housing & Urban Development.
2006: Re-elected MLA, Orathanadu (second term).
2001-2006: Served as Minister for Forest & Environment, Tamil Nadu Government.
2001: Elected MLA, Orathanadu, Tamil Nadu (first term).

Disclaimer:The information provided on this page is sourced from various publicly available platforms including https://en.wikipedia.org/, https://sansad.in/ls, https://sansad.in/rs, https://pib.gov.in/, https://affidavit.eci.gov.in/ and the official websites of state assemblies respectively. While we make every effort to maintain the accuracy, comprehensiveness and timeliness of the information provided, we cannot guarantee the absolute accuracy or reliability of the content. The data presented here has been compiled without consideration of the objectives or opinions of individuals who may access it.