Tamilisai Soundararajan

• Physician
• politician

Tamilisai Soundararajan
2nd Governor of Telangana
In office 8 September 2019 –19 March 2024 [1]

Tamilisai Soundararajan (born 2 June 1961) is an Indian politician belongs to Bharatiya Janata Party. She served as the second Governor of Telangana, and also served as Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry (Additional charge) from 18 February 2021 to 18 March 2024. She was the National Secretary and Tamil Nadu State Unit President of the BJP prior to this appointment. ^{[5] [6]}

Tamilisai Soundararajan resigned from the posts as Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry on 18 March 2024 and rejoined BJP in the presence of Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai, Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of State L. Murugan on 20 March 2024. ^[7]

Personal life and education

She was born in Kaliyakkavilai, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu on 2 June 1961. ^[8] Her father Kumari Ananthan, ^[9] is a former Member of Parliament and a senior Indian National Congress leader in Tamil Nadu. Whereas, her husband, Soundararajan, is a medical doctor. ^[10] Moreover, her paternal cousin is actor and businessman-turned-politician Vijay Vasanth.

She graduated from Ethiraj College for Women, pursued her MBBS at Madras Medical College, Chennai ^[11] and her obstetrics and gynaecology qualifications at Dr. MGR Medical University, Chennai. She was trained in sonology and FET therapy in Canada.

Prior to political commitment she worked as an assistant professor at Ramachandra Medical College, Chennai for 5 years. ^[11] She has two children, a boy and a girl, both are doctors.

As recognition of her dedicated service to the society and general public and promoting gender equality women empowerment, she was awarded “ International Rising Star of the Year – 2018” by multi ethnic advisory task force, USA operating under US Congressman Danny K. Davis. ^{[12] [13]}

Political career

Soundararajan presenting books to Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Soundararajan became interested in politics from childhood, having been brought up in a political family. ^[14] She was elected as a student leader during her studies at Madras Medical College. She served the Tamil Nadu state BJP unit in various capacities starting from South Chennai District Medical Wing Secretary in 1999, State General Secretary Medical Wing in 2001, All India Co-Convenor (Medical Wing For Southern States) ^[15] in 2005, State General Secretary in 2007, State Vice-President in 2010 and elevated as National Secretary, All India BJP in 2013. ^{[16] [17]}

She was appointed the Governor of Telangana on 1 September 2019 by the order of the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind and currently is also 1st woman to hold the office of the state. She took charge as Governor of Telangana on 9 September 2019. She was given additional charge of Puducherry (union territory) on 16 February 2021 and is fifth woman to hold the office of the Union Territory. ^{[18] [19]} During the Covid-19 pandemic she visited healthcare workers in hospitals and encouraged vaccination.

Soundararajan has lost in all her attempts at becoming an MP or MLA to date, having contested two Assembly elections and Parliament elections unsuccessfully. In the 2019 Indian general election, she lost against Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, daughter of former chief minister of Tamil Nadu M. Karunanidhi from Thoothukkudi. ^{[20] [21]} She extensively campaigned in parliament and assembly elections across the state. ^[22]

Media

She conducted a programme promoting the oratory skills for students and children, which was broadcast on the Tamil channel Raj TV for more than 10 years. ^[11] She conducted a weekly programme for women in Doordarshan Channel which was aired as Magalir Panchayat (Women's Court) for over 5 years. She participated in several political debates against other political leaders including Sun TV, NDTV, Times Now and various local channels. ^[11]

Elections contested

Lok Sabha Elections

Elections	Constituency	Party	Result	% Vote's	Opposition Candidate	Opposition Party	% Vote's
2009	Chennai North	BJP	Lost	3.54%	T. K. S. Elangovan	DMK	42.59%
2019	Thoothukkudi	BJP	Lost	21.77%	Kanimozhi Karunanidhi	DMK	56.77%
2024	Chennai South	BJP	Lost	26.44%	Thamizhachi Thangapandian	DMK	47%

Tamilnadu Assembly Elections

Elections	Constituency	Party	Result	% Vote's	Opposition Candidate	Opposition Party	% Vote's
2006	Radhapuram	BJP	Lost	4.70%	M. Appavu	DMK	43.36%
2011	Velachery	BJP	Lost	4.63%	M.K. Ashok	AIADMK	53.91%
2016	Virugampakkam	BJP	Lost	11.19%	Virugai V.N. Ravi	AIADMK	38.51%

Electoral performance

This section is transcluded from Virugampakkam Assembly constituency. (edit | history)

2016 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election  : Virugampakkam ^[23]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	AIADMK	Virugai V. N. Ravi	65,979	38.51%	New
	DMK	K. Thanasekaran	63,646	37.15%	−2.72
	BJP	Tamilisai Soundararajan	19,167	11.19%	+5.96
	DMDK	B. Parthasarathy	9,730	5.68%	−43.97
	PMK	C. H. Jayarao	3,945	2.30%	New
	NOTA	NOTA	3,897	2.27%	New
	NTK	T. S. Rajendran	2,926	1.71%	New
Margin of victory			2,333	1.36%	−8.42%
Turnout			171,339	58.63%	−8.41%
Registered electors			292,248
	AIADMK gain from DMDK		Swing	-11.14%

This section is transcluded from Velachery Assembly constituency. (edit | history)

2011 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election  : Velachery ^[24]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	AIADMK	M. K. Ashok	82,145	53.91%	New
	PMK	M. Jayaraman	50,425	33.10%	New
	Independent	E. Sarathbabu	7,472	4.90%	New
	BJP	Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan	7,048	4.63%	New
	Loktantrik Samajwadi Party	Senthil Kumar Arumugam	1,225	0.80%	New
	IJK	K. N. Seshadri	1,036	0.68%	New
Margin of victory			31,720	20.82%
Turnout			152,364	67.05%
Registered electors			227,249
	AIADMK win (new seat)

This section is transcluded from Radhapuram Assembly constituency. (edit | history)

2006 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election  : Radhapuram ^[25]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	DMK	M. Appavu	49,249	43.36%	+21.38
	AIADMK	L. Gnanapunitha	38,552	33.94%	New
	Independent	K. P. K. Selvaraj	9,017	7.94%	New
	DMDK	S. Sivanaintha Perumal	6,404	5.64%	New
	BJP	Thamizhisai	5,343	4.70%	New
	AIFB	A. Parvathi	1,059	0.93%	New
	Independent	A. Selvaraj	1,051	0.93%	New
	Independent	S. Thanam	994	0.88%	New
Margin of victory			10,697	9.42%	−9.18%
Turnout			113,584	65.42%	11.13%
Registered electors			173,633
	DMK gain from Independent		Swing	-2.04%

Positions

Women's rights

Soundararajan is a supporter of the #metoo movement and has emphasized that any woman who had faced sexual harassment should get justice. ^[26]

Temple management

Soundararajan has asserted that temples must be managed by committees formed of devotees of the temple and consist of theists. ^[27]

Telangana Governor

Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan was sworn in as the first woman Governor of Telangana in the year 2019, replacing the post held by E.S.L. Narasimhan. ^[28] She's the second governor of the State of Telangana, which was formed on 2 June 2014. ^[29] She's the youngest among all state governors. ^[30] To explore the resources among alumni, an online portal called 'Chancellor Connect' was created.

As a Governor

Raj Bhavan under Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan, in association with Telangana State Council of Higher Education (TSCHE), instituted 'Chancellor's Awards' for best teachers, best research, and best university in academic social responsibility. ^[31]

Dr. Tamilisai organized meetings in association with the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad, to create a detailed action plan for formulating an appropriate nutrition intervention program for Telangana's tribal communities. ^{[32] [33]}

In April 2023, the Telangana Government filed a writ petition in the supreme court against Soundararajan for failing to provide her assent for 10 bills nearly seven months after the state legislature had passed them. ^[34]

Tamilisai Soundararajan resigned from both posts Telangana Governor and Puducherry Lieutenant-Governor on 18 March 2024 ahead of 2024 Loksabha Elections. She is likely to contest in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from Tamilnadu. ^[35]

Lt. Governor of Puducherry

Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan was sworn in as Lt. Governor of Puducherry (additional charge ) on 18 February 2021. ^[36] Chief Justice of Madras High court Justice Sanjeeb Banerjee administered the oath of office and secrecy to her. Tamilisai took the oath in Tamil ^[37] and tendered her resignation on 18 March 2024. ^[35]

References

1. "President Murmu accepts Tamilisai Soundararajan's resignation, Jharkhand Governor gets charge". ANI news. 19 March 2024.
2. "President Murmu accepts Tamilisai Soundararajan's resignation, Jharkhand Governor gets charge". ANI news. 19 March 2024.
3. "Tamilisai on BPCL board". The Hindu. 16 September 2017 – via www.thehindu.com.
4. Mani, C. D. S. (2 June 2016). "Tamilisai Soundararajan vows to take Modi govt schemes to all villages in TN". The Times of India.
5. "Tamilisai Sounderrajan appointed BJP TNEB unit president". The Hindu. 17 August 2014. Retrieved 27 September 2017.
6. "New BJP chiefs for Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu and Assam". The Economic Times/Times of India. PTI. 16 August 2014. Retrieved 27 September 2017.
7. "Former Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan rejoins BJP". The Hindu . 20 March 2024. Archived from the original on 21 March 2024. Retrieved 21 March 2024.
8. "Telangana State Portal Governor". www.telangana.gov.in. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
9. "The Hindu News Update Service". The Hindu. 13 April 2009. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 2 June 2014.
10. "Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan: Age, Biography, Education, Husband, Caste, Net Worth & More - Oneindia". www.oneindia.com.
11. "Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan". Archived from the original on 16 May 2019. Retrieved 16 May 2019.
12. Bodiwala, Suresh (31 October 2018). "Multi Ethnic Advisory Task Force Hosted 8th Annual Congressional award function with Glittering of Chicago stars". Daily Herald. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
13. "Governor selected for global women of excellence award". The Hindu. 5 March 2021. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
14. Sudha (29 November 2013). "Tamilisai Soundararajan opens her mind | நான் டுமிழிசை செளந்தரராஜன் பேசுகிறேன் ! - Oneindia Tamil" (in Tamil). Tamil.oneindia.in. Retrieved 27 September 2017.
15. "Bharatiya Janata Party". Bjp.org. Retrieved 27 September 2017.
16. "Who is Tamilisai Soundararajan? All you need to know about Puducherry's new LG". Free Press Journal. 16 February 2021. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
17. "Jual Oram appointed as BJP's national Vice President, Dharmendra Pradhan as General Secretary". Orissadiary.com. 31 March 2013. Archived from the original on 12 August 2014. Retrieved 2 June 2014.
18. "Tamilisai Soundararajan sworn in as Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry". The Indian Express. 18 February 2021. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
19. "Kiran Bedi removed as Puducherry LG amid political crisis in Union territory". 16 February 2021.
20. "Dr. Tamilisai Soundrarajan(Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP)):Constituency- VELACHERY(CHENNAI) - Affidavit Information of Candidate". Myneta.info. 14 June 2004. Retrieved 27 September 2017.
21. "News Today". www.maalaisudar.com. 7 May 2009. Retrieved 27 September 2017.^{[ permanent dead link ]}
22. "After 'chai', now a NaMo fish stall in Chennai". Mangaloretoday.com. Retrieved 27 September 2017.
23. "Assembly wise Candidate Valid Votes count 2016, Tamil Nadu" (PDF). www.elections.tn.gov.in. Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 April 2022. Retrieved 30 April 2022.
24. Detailes Result 2011, Aseembly Election Tamil Nadu (PDF). Election Commission of Tamil Nadu (Report). Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 February 2017. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
25. Election Commission of India. "2006 Election Statistical Report" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 October 2010. Retrieved 12 May 2006.
26. "Tamilisai backs sexual abuse victims". The Hindu. 12 October 2018 – via www.thehindu.com.
27. Staff Reporter (13 February 2018). "Only the devout must manage temples: BJP". The Hindu– via www.thehindu.com.
28. Rajeev, M. (1 September 2019). "Tamilisai Soundararajan is new Telangana Governor". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 24 April 2022.
29. PTI (10 September 2019). "Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan is the youngest governor". www.thehindubusinessline.com. Retrieved 24 April 2022.
30. "Tamilisai Soundararajan youngest governor Andhra's Harichandan oldest at 85". The Week. Retrieved 24 April 2022.
31. correspondent, dc (30 June 2021). "Telangana Governor announces Chancellor's Awards in academics". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 24 April 2022.
32. "Nutrition Intervention Survey for Tribal Communities Coming Soon: TS Guv". Deccan News.
33. "We need to ensure good nutritional status of tribal people: Governor Tamilisai". ap7am.com. Retrieved 24 April 2022.
34. "'Raj Bhavan nearer than Delhi': Telangana Governor as state moves Supreme Court". India Today. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
35. The Hindu (18 March 2024). "Tamilisai, Telangana Governor and Puducherry Lt. Governor, resigns to contest Lok Sabha polls". Archived from the original on 18 March 2024. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
36. "Tamilisai Soundararajan assumes office as Puducherry Lt governor". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 24 April 2022.
37. "Tamilisai Soundararajan sworn in as Puducherry Lt Governor". The News Minute. 18 February 2021. Retrieved 24 April 2022.

Political offices
Preceded by E. S. L. Narasimhan	Governor of Telangana 8 September 2019 – 19 March 2024	Succeeded by C. P. Radhakrishnan
Preceded by Kiran Bedi	28th Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry 18 February 2021 – 19 March 2024	Succeeded by C. P. Radhakrishnan