Ganapathi P. Rajkumar, the 5th mayor of Coimbatore and a seasoned politician, gears up to contest the 2024 Indian general election from the Coimbatore Lok Sabha constituency under the DMK banner, marking a significant turn in his political journey.
Coimbatore: Ganapathi P. Rajkumar, an influential political figure in Tamil Nadu, is known for his tenure as the 5th mayor of Coimbatore from 2014 to 2016. With a rich academic background, Rajkumar has a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, a Master of Arts in Mass Communication, a Bachelor of Laws, and a PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication.
His political career began with the AIADMK in 1989, leading to his election as a councillor in the Coimbatore City Corporation in 2001. In 2014, he won the mayoral election of Coimbatore as the AIADMK candidate, securing a significant victory. In the 2014 mayoral elections of Coimbatore, Rajkumar contested as the AIADMK candidate and won with a share of 420,104 votes after the BJP candidate came second with a share of 128,761 votes where neither the DMK nor the INC participated. Rajkumar was subsequently elected the mayor of Coimbatore, and served from 2014 to 2016. He previously held the position of Urban district secretary for the AIADMK. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in the urban development of the city. After serving as the Urban district secretary for the AIADMK, Rajkumar's political path took a turn when he joined the DMK on 21 December 2020, citing feeling sidelined within the AIADMK. He is currently serving as the DMK's Presidium Chairman of the Coimbatore district, thanks to his close relationship with ex-Minister Senthil Balaji who advocated for his inclusion.
For the upcoming 2024 Indian general election, Rajkumar has been chosen by the DMK to represent the party in the Coimbatore Lok Sabha constituency, highlighting his significant position within the party and marking an important step in his political career.
Born to Palanisamy and Bhuvaneswari on 17th April 1965, Rajkumar's personal and political journeys reflect a deep commitment to public service and an enduring dedication to contributing to the socio-political landscape of Tamil Nadu.