Wed Nov 06 19:27:07 UTC 2024: ## Former Tamil Nadu Home Secretary and Election Commissioner K. Malaisamy Passes Away at 87
**Chennai, November 7, 2024** – K. Malaisamy, a prominent figure in Tamil Nadu politics and administration, passed away at his Chennai residence on Wednesday after a prolonged illness. He was 87.
Mr. Malaisamy served as the Home Secretary of Tamil Nadu from 1991 to 1994 and was the state’s first State Election Commissioner. He also served as a Member of Parliament for two terms, first in the Lok Sabha from 1999 to 2004, and then in the Rajya Sabha from 2004 to 2010.
A native of Sivaganga district, Mr. Malaisamy joined the Tamil Nadu government as a Deputy Collector in 1965. He was later appointed to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 1974. During his career, he held various positions, including the Commissioner of Madurai Municipal Corporation, Collector of Coimbatore, Agriculture Director, Commissioner of Chennai Municipal Corporation, and Secretary of the Co-operation, Food and Civil Supplies Department.
His appointment as the State Election Commissioner in 1994 coincided with the first tenure of Jayalalithaa as Chief Minister. However, during his tenure, Mr. Malaisamy faced conflicts with the DMK government in the 1996 local body elections. He criticized the government for disrespecting the Election Commission before his term ended in 1998.
Mr. Malaisamy joined the AIADMK in 1999 and was nominated as their candidate for the Ramanathapuram Lok Sabha constituency. He later rejoined the BJP after being expelled from the AIADMK in 2014 for praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
His passing has drawn condolences from several political leaders, including former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam, AMMK general secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran, and former AIADMK general secretary V.K. Sasikala.
Mr. Malaisamy is survived by his wife and daughter. The final rites will be performed at the Velankadu burial ground in Anna Nagar, Chennai on Friday morning.
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