Telangana & Puducherry Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan Quits, Eyes Lok Sabha Seat

Chennai- Former Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan has resigned from her position and is likely to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections in the state. She submitted her resignation letter to President Droupadi Murmu on Monday, citing her reasons for entering mainstream politics.

Soundararajan is likely to be included in the BJP's forthcoming list of candidates for the Lok Sabha elections. The former governor is also expected to contest the elections in Tamil Nadu.

A press release from the Raj Bhavan stated, “The Hon’ble Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry Dr.Smt.Tamilisai Soundararajan has tendered her resignation with immediate effect. The resignation has been submitted to the Hon’ble President of India.”

Born on June 2, 1961, Tamilisai Soundararajan, hailing from a politically prominent family background, has made significant strides in both her medical career and her involvement in politics, particularly within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tamil Nadu.

As the daughter of former Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president Kumari Anandan and the niece of H. Vasanthakumar, a notable Indian businessman and politician, Tamilisai Soundararajan's upbringing was undoubtedly steeped in political discourse and engagement. Despite her familial ties to the Congress, she carved her path within the BJP, showcasing her independent political journey.

She completed her medical education after obtaining her M.B.B.S. and P.G. from Sri Ramachandra Medical College in Chennai.

Trained as a physician with a specialization in gynecology and additional expertise in sonology and fetal therapy, Soundararajan's professional background lends credibility and insight into healthcare-related matters. Her involvement in the medical field likely equipped her with a deep understanding of the healthcare challenges facing the people of Tamil Nadu, which could have influenced her political priorities and initiatives. She resigned in 2003 to take part in political activities.

She has served in the state unit of the BJP as South Chennai District medical wing secretary in 1999, state general secretary medical wing in 2001, All India co-convenor (medical wing for southern states) in 2005, state general secretary in 2007 and state vice-president in 2010. She was elevated to the post of national secretary in 2013.

Soundararajan has been with the BJP for more than 20 years. She suffered a significant defeat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in Thoothukudi against DMK's Kanimozhi.

She later became the Governor of Telangana in September 2019. She was also given additional charge of the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry after the removal of Kiran Bedi from the position.

The former Governor of Telangana is considered a considerable candidate for the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections.