P. Chidambaram, a towering figure in Indian politics, boasts a multifaceted career spanning law, finance, and public service. His journey, from humble beginnings to holding prominent ministerial positions, is a compelling narrative of ambition and influence.
Wiki/Biography
P. Chidambaram was born on Sunday, September 16, 1945 (age 77 as of 2022), in Kanadukathan village, Sivaganga district, Tamil Nadu. A Virgo, he received his early education at St. Thomas Convent and Loyola College, Chennai, before earning a B.Sc. in Statistics from Presidency College, Chennai in 1964 and a Bachelor of Laws from Madras Law College, Chennai in 1969. His academic pursuits extended to an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1968.
Upon returning to India, he practiced law at the Madras High Court for two years before moving to New Delhi to practice in the Supreme Court. His involvement with MRF Tyres as a union leader sparked his interest in politics.
Physical Appearance
- Height (approx.): 5’9″
- Eye Colour: Black
- Hair Colour: Black
Family, Caste & Wife
Chidambaram hails from the Nagarathar community (also known as Chettiar). His parents were Palaniappa Chettiar and Lakshmi Achi. He has a sister, Uma Narayanan, a businesswoman, and two brothers, P. Lakshmanan (an industrialist) and the late P. Annamalai.
He married Nalini Chidambaram on December 11, 1968, in an elopement due to family objections. Nalini is the daughter of P.S. Kailasam (retired Supreme Court Justice) and Soundra Kailasam (renowned Tamil poet and senior advocate). Their son is Karti Chidambaram.
Political Career
Chidambaram joined the Indian National Congress in 1972, quickly rising through the ranks. He served as President of the Tamil Nadu Youth Congress (1973-1976) and General Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Pradesh Congress Committee (1976). His parliamentary career began in 1984, representing Sivaganga in the Lok Sabha.
He held several ministerial portfolios under Rajiv Gandhi and later served as Finance Minister in various coalition governments. His tenure as Finance Minister under Manmohan Singh (2004-2014) was particularly noteworthy. He also served as the Union Minister of Home Affairs.
His political journey also included stints with the Tamil Manila Congress and his own party, Congress Jananayaka Peravai, before rejoining the INC.
Awards and Honours
- Best Administrator in India Award (2012) – K. Karunakaran Foundation
- Business Reformer of the Year Award (2013) – ET Awards
Controversies
Chidambaram’s career has been marked by several controversies, including allegations related to his wife’s investments, accusations of money laundering, and his involvement in the 2G spectrum and INX Media cases. These controversies led to investigations and legal proceedings.
The INX Media case, involving alleged irregularities in Foreign Direct Investment approvals, resulted in his arrest and subsequent judicial proceedings. These cases garnered significant media attention and fueled intense political debate.
Signature
Car Collection
Reportedly, he owned a Honda City (2015 Model) and a Skoda Octavia (2010 Model).
Assets & Properties (as in 2016)
| Asset Type | Value (INR) |
|---|---|
| Cash | 3.5 Lacs |
| Bank Deposits | 22.43 Crores |
| Bonds & Shares | 10.44 Crores |
| Jewellery | 10 Lacs (approx.) |
| Agricultural Land | 4.24 Crores |
Salary & Net Worth
His salary as a Rajya Sabha member was approximately Rs. 1 Lac per month plus allowances. His net worth in 2016 was reportedly Rs. 95.66 Crores.
Facts/Trivia
Chidambaram’s grandfather, Sir Annamalai Chettiar, founded Annamalai University and the United India Insurance Company. During his college years, he co-founded a political journal, “The Radical View,” with notable figures like N. Ram.
His 1997 budget as Finance Minister is often remembered as a landmark achievement. His arrest in 2019 following the INX Media case generated considerable public and media interest.
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