K. Kathirkamu, 68, a former MLA has been nominated as the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) candidate from Periyakulam (Reserve) Assembly Constituency in Theni district on Saturday.

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The candidate, who was with the AIADMK, emerged victorious on his maiden contest from Periyakulam in 2016. Subsequently, he was one among the 18 MLAs to be disqualified in 2018 after he switched loyalty to Mr Dhinakaran.

A doctor by profession, Kathirkamu was the Dean of the Government Medical College and Hospital, Theni. After he was given ticket, he resigned from the government post and became the MLA.

The Theni All-Woman Police had registered a case against the doctor in 2019 on charge of rape after a woman lodged a complaint. However, he denied it as politically motivated.

In the 2021 election, DMK candidate K. S. Saravanakumar registered victory and is the sitting MLA in the outgoing Assembly.