From Corporation student to Information Minister

CHENNAI: After being elected from the Saidapet constituency for the second time, G Senthamizhan, the Information minister, went out to thank the voters on AIADMK supremo and Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa’s directions.He distributed pamphlets with his mobile and landline numbers to every family to ensure his constituents could reach him at any time. “Now, people call me even at midnight with grievances,” the delighted first-time minister said. The 47-year-old is one of the few city MLAs with roots in Chennai. “My forefathers were from Chennai and the neighbouring Chengalpattu districts,” he said.Senthamizhan was elevated to the State deputy secretary of the students’ wing in 1999 and contested the 2006 elections from Saidapet constituency defeating the Pattali Makkal Katchi candidate.His quiet nature, simplicity and non-controversial attitude earned him voters’ goodwill which translated into votes even as the constituency was being groomed by the previous DMK regime with a plenty of civic amenities apart and the distribution of free colour TVs. Hailing from the Vanniayar community, Senthamizhan is a product of the State education system. Starting off at the Government Model School in Saidapet, he completed Class 12 at the Chennai Higher Secondary School run by Chennai Corporation in the same area. Senthamizhan completed his BA degree from Presidency College followed by post-graduate degree from Madras University. He did his law degrees from the Madurai Kamaraj University and Dr Ambedkar Law University.Even as his peers opted for different professions after college, his interest was in politics. “I entered politics inspired by  Amma. My first position was deputy chairman, of the AIADMK’s South Chennai district student wing in 1997,” he recalled.Presently, the AIADMK South Chennai district secretary, Senthamizhan has named his children Jayacharanya and Jayaadhithyan as a mark of his respect for the AIADMK supremo.On his plans for the constituency, Senthamizhan said, four fair price shops would be established in Saidapet soon. Besides, steps have been taken to provide a U-Turn near the Maraimalai Adigal Bridge on Anna Salai, following representations from people.