The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Tuesday officially declared its candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. The party has nominated senior advocate P Wilson, noted poet and writer Rajathi Salma, and former minister SR Sivalingam
Puspanathan Wilson
Puspanathan Wilson is a senior advocate in India who served as the additional solicitor general of India between August 2012 and May 2014, and the additional advocate general of the State of Tamil Nadu between August 2008 and May 2011.As a distinguished legal professional he has served in a wide range of esteemed legal positions, both at the state and central levels.
In November 2009, he was designated as a senior advocate by the Madras high court at the age of 43. Wilson has argued numerous landmark constitutional cases and public interest litigations before the Madras high court and the Supreme Court of India. One of his most significant contributions was his role in the historic “Marina Case”, where he successfully fought for the right to bury the mortal remains of Kalaignar M Karunanidhi, five-time chief minister of Tamil Nadu, next to the Anna Memorial on Marina Beach.
Kavignar Salma
Rajathi Salma, often referred to as Kavignar Salma, is one of Tamil Nadu’s most important contemporary poets, as well as a trailblazing gender activist and a member of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). Born ‘Rajathi Samsudeen’ in 1968 in Thuvarankurichi near Tiruchirappalli, she is a celebrated Tamil writer, activist, and politician.
{{/usCountry}}Rajathi Salma, often referred to as Kavignar Salma, is one of Tamil Nadu’s most important contemporary poets, as well as a trailblazing gender activist and a member of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). Born ‘Rajathi Samsudeen’ in 1968 in Thuvarankurichi near Tiruchirappalli, she is a celebrated Tamil writer, activist, and politician.
{{/usCountry}}Her work often challenges patriarchy and explores themes of gender, sexuality, and freedom. Beyond literature, Salma has played an active role in politics and social activism. A member of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), she served as the chairperson of the Tamil Nadu State Social Welfare Board from 2007 to 2011. She is also a committed advocate for women's and transgender rights, and the founder of Your Hope is Remaining, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to empowering women.
SR Sivalingam
SR Sivalingam is a politician affiliated with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), one of Tamil Nadu's major political parties. He was elected as a Member of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from the Panamarathupatti constituency in both the 1989 and 1996 state elections. Sivalingam is known for his dedication to public service and grassroots engagement.