Amid criticism over holding a meeting with Coimbatore Corporation and health officials at her astrology office, Kavundampalayam MLA Kanimozhi Santhosh released a video tour of her office, asserting that the meeting was held there only because renovation work is under way at her MLA office.
Coimbatore: Amid widespread criticism from political circles and the public over holding a meeting with government officials at her astrology office, Kavundampalayam MLA Kanimozhi Santhosh has issued a selfie-style clarification video defending her actions.
The controversy erupted after photographs and videos of Corporation and health officials attending a meeting at her astrology consultation office went viral on social media. Critics questioned why an official meeting involving government officials was conducted at her private workplace, while some social media users alleged that the MLA was seated on a spacious designer sofa while officials were made to sit on plastic chairs, terming it an act of “bossing over” officials.
Responding to the criticism, Kanimozhi stated that the venue was not her residence but her astrology office, where she has long been consulting clients.
However, the MLA’s detailed clarification video itself drew mixed reactions online, with some social media users accusing her of “over-explaining” the issue. Several also pointed out that her remarks about providing “quality seating” and leather chairs for visitors appeared unnecessary and came across as showmanship.
Rejecting the allegations, the MLA maintained that social media narratives were distorting facts and portraying her unfairly.
She further stated that all official meetings would be shifted to the MLA office once renovation work there is completed.
Kanimozhi also alleged that part of the criticism stemmed from attempts to undermine her because she is a woman. She said TVK chief Vijay, popularly referred to by party cadres as “Thalapathy,” had given her the opportunity to represent the people of Kavundampalayam despite her background as an astrologer, and that she would continue to serve the public with humility.
Earlier, Kanimozhi had also responded to questions regarding the “Dr.” prefix before her name. She clarified that she had obtained a doctorate in astrology and therefore uses the title.
Reacting to the controversy, a senior political critic said there was nothing unusual about elected representatives holding meetings with officials at their homes or private offices, noting that such practices existed in previous governments as well.
However, he criticised the frequent release of selfie-style videos and behind-the-scenes footage by TVK representatives, calling it a publicity-driven political culture.
“These kinds of videos often irritate the public and invite criticism,” he said, citing a recent incident where a TVK functionary recorded a selfie video inside the Chief Minister’s office.
While such approaches may appear modern and media-savvy, he cautioned that excessive focus on self-promotion could eventually alienate voters.
Controversies surrounding Kanimozhi Santhosh have continued ever since her election victory from Kavundampalayam, one of the largest Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu.
Kanimozhi Santhosh won the Kavundampalayam Assembly constituency in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections by securing 1,46,466 votes, defeating incumbent AIADMK senior leader P.R.G. Arun Kumar, who had previously enjoyed repeated electoral success in the constituency.
The controversy erupted after photographs and videos of Corporation and health officials attending a meeting at her astrology consultation office went viral on social media. Critics questioned why an official meeting involving government officials was conducted at her private workplace, while some social media users alleged that the MLA was seated on a spacious designer sofa while officials were made to sit on plastic chairs, terming it an act of “bossing over” officials.
Responding to the criticism, Kanimozhi stated that the venue was not her residence but her astrology office, where she has long been consulting clients.
However, the MLA’s detailed clarification video itself drew mixed reactions online, with some social media users accusing her of “over-explaining” the issue. Several also pointed out that her remarks about providing “quality seating” and leather chairs for visitors appeared unnecessary and came across as showmanship.
Rejecting the allegations, the MLA maintained that social media narratives were distorting facts and portraying her unfairly.
She further stated that all official meetings would be shifted to the MLA office once renovation work there is completed.
Kanimozhi also alleged that part of the criticism stemmed from attempts to undermine her because she is a woman. She said TVK chief Vijay, popularly referred to by party cadres as “Thalapathy,” had given her the opportunity to represent the people of Kavundampalayam despite her background as an astrologer, and that she would continue to serve the public with humility.
Earlier, Kanimozhi had also responded to questions regarding the “Dr.” prefix before her name. She clarified that she had obtained a doctorate in astrology and therefore uses the title.
Reacting to the controversy, a senior political critic said there was nothing unusual about elected representatives holding meetings with officials at their homes or private offices, noting that such practices existed in previous governments as well.
However, he criticised the frequent release of selfie-style videos and behind-the-scenes footage by TVK representatives, calling it a publicity-driven political culture.
“These kinds of videos often irritate the public and invite criticism,” he said, citing a recent incident where a TVK functionary recorded a selfie video inside the Chief Minister’s office.
While such approaches may appear modern and media-savvy, he cautioned that excessive focus on self-promotion could eventually alienate voters.
Controversies surrounding Kanimozhi Santhosh have continued ever since her election victory from Kavundampalayam, one of the largest Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu.
Kanimozhi Santhosh won the Kavundampalayam Assembly constituency in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections by securing 1,46,466 votes, defeating incumbent AIADMK senior leader P.R.G. Arun Kumar, who had previously enjoyed repeated electoral success in the constituency.