Dr. K. Ponmudi | |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Minister Government of Tamil Nadu | |
| In office 22 March 2024 – 27 April 2025 | |
| Minister | Minister for Forests |
| Chief Minister | M. K. Stalin |
| Preceded by | Raja Kannappan |
| Succeeded by | Raja Kannappan |
| In office 7 May 2021 – 21 December 2023 | |
| Minister | Minister for Higher Education |
| Chief Minister | M. K. Stalin |
| Preceded by | K. P. Anbalagan |
| Succeeded by | Raja Kannappan |
| In office 13 May 2006 – 15 May 2011 | |
| Minister | Minister for Education |
| Chief Minister | M. Karunanidhi |
| Preceded by | C. V. Shanmugam |
| Succeeded by | P. Palaniappan |
| In office 13 May 1996 – 13 May 2001 | |
| Minister | Minister for Transport & Highways |
| Chief Minister | M. Karunanidhi |
| Preceded by | K. A. Sengottaiyan |
| Succeeded by | Nainar Nagendran |
| In office 27 January 1989 – 30 January 1991 | |
| Minister | Minister for Health |
| Chief Minister | M. Karunanidhi |
| Preceded by | P. U. Shanmugam |
| Succeeded by | S. Muthusamy |
| Member of theTamil Nadu Legislative Assembly | |
| Assumed office 19 May 2016 | |
| Preceded by | L. Venkatesan |
| Constituency | Tirukkoyilur |
| In office 10 May 1996 – 14 May 2011 | |
| Preceded by | D. Janardhanan |
| Succeeded by | C. V. Shanmugam |
| Constituency | Villupuram |
| In office 6 February 1989 – 30 January 1991 | |
| Preceded by | M. Mani Rajarathinam |
| Succeeded by | D. Janardhanan |
| Constituency | Villupuram |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1950-08-19)19 August 1950 (age 75) T. Edaiyar, Tirukoilur Taluk,South Arcot district, Madras. |
| Political party | Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam |
| Spouse | Visalakshi[1] |
| Children | Dr Gowtham Sigamani, Dr Ashok Sigamani[2] |
| Residence | Villupuram |
K. Ponmudi (born Deivasigamani K, 19 August 1950) is anIndian politician and the FormerMinister for Forests ofTamil Nadu,[3] who was disqualified in 2023 after theMadras High Court convicted him in the disproportionate assets case.[4][5] He was the Minister for Higher Education ofTamil Nadu from 2006 to 2011.[6] He was born in T. Edaiyar in theVillupuram district. He has a bachelor's degree in law, a master's degree in history, political science and public administration and a doctorate in political science. He is an alumnus ofAnnamalai University.[7] Before entering professional politics, he was a professor in the Villupuram government college. He has been elected to theTamil Nadu assembly five times. From 1989 to 1991 duringDravida Munnetra Kazhagam rule he was the Minister for Health, and from 1996 to 2001 he was the Minister for Transport and Highways.[8][9] He authored a book titledDravidian Movement in India and Black Movement in the U.S.A.[10] On April 24, 2025, theMadras High Court decided to initiate suo motu proceedings against K. Ponmudy for his vulgar remarks against Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and women, which it deemed prima facie hate speech.[11]
On 19 December 2023, TheMadras High Court convicted him in disproportionate assets case for amassing assets during his tenure as minister for Mines and Minerals in 2006–2011 DMK Government.[12][13] On 21 December 2023, he and his wife were sentenced to three years imprisonment as well as to a fine of ₹50 lakhs each by the Madras High Court. The court stayed the sentence imposed on them to appeal before the Supreme Court for 30 days. As a result, Ponmudi wasdisqualified as an MLA and minister as perRepresentation of the People Act, 1951.[14][15]
| Elections | Constituency | Party | Result | Vote % | Opposition Candidate | Opposition Party | Opposition Vote % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Villupuram | DMK | Won | 47.18 | ABDUL LATHEEF S | INC | 23.39[16] |
| 1991 | Lost | 33.37 | D. JANAARDHANAN | ADMK | 48.82[17] | ||
| 1996 | Won | 58.24 | PANNEERSELVAM, S.S. | ADMK | 25.90[18] | ||
| 2001 | Won | 47.45 | R.PASUPATHY | PMK | 45.86[19] | ||
| 2006 | Won | 46.87 | PASUPATHY.R | ADMK | 40.56[20] | ||
| 2011 | Lost | 45.19 | C. V. Shanmugam | ADMK | 52.18[21][22] | ||
| 2016 | Tirukkoyilur | Won | 49.80 | GOTHANDARAMAN G | ADMK | 37.44[23] | |
| 2021 | Won | 56.56 | VAT.KALIVARADHAN | BJP | 26.14[24] |
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