S. Muthusamy, a senior leader of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and Tamil Nadu's Minister for Prohibition and Excise, is contesting from the Erode (West) constituency in the upcoming Assembly elections.
Over his political career, he has handled several departments, including Transport, Health, Housing and Urban Development, and Prohibition and Excise, playing an important role in the state administration.
Muthusamy was associated with the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam earlier in his career, serving as a minister and organisation secretary.
He joined the DMK in 2010, marking a significant shift in his political journey.
Muthusamy hails from Erode district and belongs to the Kongu Vellala Gounder community.
He entered politics in 1977 at the age of 29, contesting his first Assembly election as a candidate of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
Muthusamy's rise was closely tied to the AIADMK's dominance in western Tamil Nadu during that period and MGR's widespread popularity among voters.
He secured consecutive victories, quickly establishing himself as a strong regional leader.
However, a significant shift came in 2010 when Muthusamy was expelled from the AIADMK after openly questioning the leadership of J. Jayalalithaa.
He joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, describing it as a move aligned with his political beliefs.
Muthusamy has had a long and eventful electoral journey, particularly in the Erode region.
In his early career, he secured consecutive wins from the Erode constituency in 1977, 1980, and 1984, establishing himself as a strong political figure.
However, his career also saw setbacks with losses in 1989 and 1996.
His performance in the Erode belt has been mixed before a comeback in 2021, when he won the Erode (West) seat with over 49% of the vote, reclaiming the constituency for the DMK from the AIADMK.
In the 2026 Assembly elections, Erode (West) is witnessing another contest with Muthusamy seeking re-election on a DMK ticket.
