Sweet revenge for Rangasamy

Known for his simplicity and unassuming style, Rangasamy brings with him vast administrative experience as well.

“Junior Kamaraj,” as Rangasamy is known among his followers, made a landmark electoral debut for his All India NR Congress, winning two-thirds majority in alliance with the AIADMK in the 30-member Union Territory Assembly.

In a calculated move, Rangasamy quit the Congress and launched his own outfit after being removed as chief minister in 2008 by the high command following a revolt by his cabinet colleagues.

A bachelor, 61-year-old Rangasamy during his seven-year stint as chief minister from 2001, endeared himself to the masses by shunning the trappings of high office and preferring to ride a bike to travelling in a car.  His schemes like free breakfast for school children and developmental projects made him a popular leader even as his cabinet colleagues turned foes and accused him of nursing his own constituency and neglecting others.

A lawyer, Rangasamy took to politics after being inspired by Kamaraj, the late Tamil Nadu CM whose rule was known as the golden era in the state’s political history. After an unsuccessful bid to enter the Assembly in 1990, he tasted success the very next year and there has been no looking back since then. In the April 13 polls, he won from both Indira Nagar and Kadirkamam constituencies.