Kanimozhi, a prominent figure in Indian politics, is widely known for her lineage and her involvement in significant controversies. Daughter of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, her life and career have been marked by both public acclaim and intense scrutiny.

Biography/Wiki

Muthuvel Karunanidhi Kanimozhi, popularly known as Kanimozhi or M. K. Kanimozhi, was born on January 5, 1968. She is the daughter of the influential politician M. Karunanidhi and his third wife, Rajathi Ammal. Her birth was amidst a complex family situation, with her father already married when her mother entered into a relationship with him. This became public knowledge when her mother’s name appeared in assembly records regarding the Chief Minister’s residence. Karunanidhi’s acknowledgement of Rajathi Ammal, albeit indirectly, reflects the challenges of his personal life.

Despite her political heritage, Kanimozhi initially harbored aspirations in the arts, literature, and poetry. Her education included a Master’s degree in Economics from Ethiraj College for Women.

Family, Caste & Husband

Kanimozhi hails from one of Tamil Nadu’s most powerful political families, belonging to the Isai Vellalar community. She has four half-brothers—M. K. Stalin, M. K. Alagiri, M. K. Muthu, and M. K. Tamilarasu—and a half-sister, Selvi Geetha Kovilam. Her father’s prominent political career profoundly shaped her life and opportunities.

Kanimozhi has been married twice. Her first marriage to businessman Athiban Bose ended in divorce. She later married G. Aravindaan, a Singapore-based Tamil writer and IT professional, in 1997. The couple has two sons.

Career

Kanimozhi’s career path is a blend of journalism and politics. She began in journalism, working for various media houses including Kungumam, The Hindu, and Tamil Murasu. Her background in journalism provided her with valuable experience before entering the political arena.

Her political journey commenced in 2007 when she became a Member of the Rajya Sabha. She was re-elected in 2013. A significant milestone came in 2019 when she won the Lok Sabha elections from the Thoothukudi constituency, defeating her BJP rival by a considerable margin.

Controversies

Kanimozhi’s career has not been without controversy. Before the age of 50, she faced numerous charges, including:

• Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property (IPC Section 420)
• False evidence (IPC Section 193)
• Criminal conspiracy (IPC Section 120B)
• Criminal breach of trust (IPC Section 409)
• Forgery for the purpose of cheating (IPC Section 468)
• Using a forged document (IPC Section 471)

Her most prominent involvement was in the 2G spectrum scam, leading to her arrest in 2011. After a six-year trial, she was acquitted in 2017.

Salary/Net Worth

As of 2019, her salary as a Member of Parliament was approximately ?1 Lakh plus allowances. Her net worth at the same time was estimated at ?30.33 crore.

Favourite Things

Kanimozhi’s personal interests include culinary delights, particularly South Indian dishes like Idli, Dosa, and Kothu Parotta. She is also an avid reader, with a preference for authors such as Sa. Kandasamy and Alexander McCall Smith.

Facts

Beyond her political career, Kanimozhi has actively participated in social initiatives. These include women’s empowerment programs and advocating for the welfare of the differently-abled and transgender communities. She is credited with proposing the Chennai Sangamam, a significant cultural festival.

Kanimozhi’s Education and Career Timeline