# A. Baluchamy

Alagumalai Baluchamy (25 September 1941 – 8 February 2012) was an Indian politician and Member of the Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu. He was elected to the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly as an Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam candidate from Nilakottai constituency in 1977, and 1984 elections and from Samayanallur constituency in 1980 election.

## Early life and background

Baluchamy was born on 25 September 1941 to Alagumalai and Vellaiammal. He pursued a Pre-University Course (PUC) before engaging in farming. His early years were marked by a strong sense of discipline, which led him to enlist in the Indian Army, where he served as a wireless operator for nearly five years during the 1960s. During his tenure in the military, he participated in several strategic operations that contributed to national security. Following his military service, he returned to Tamil Nadu and actively engaged in public service, advocating for the welfare of farmers and rural communities.

## Political career

Baluchamy's entry into politics was inspired by M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), the founder of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). He was deeply influenced by MGR's vision of social justice and upliftment of the poor, which led him to join AIADMK and actively work towards the welfare of his community.
His dedication to public service and his strong grassroots presence helped him secure multiple electoral victories. He was elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for three consecutive terms:
* 1977 – Nilakottai Constituency (AIADMK)
* 1980 – Samayanallur Constituency (AIADMK)
* 1984 – Nilakottai Constituency (AIADMK)
As an MLA, Baluchamy championed several development initiatives, including:
* Improving rural infrastructure and road connectivity
* Advocating for farmer welfare schemes
* Strengthening irrigation and water management in agricultural areas
* Expanding education and healthcare access in rural communities
Election results
1977
[edit]
1977 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election: Nilakottai :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | AIADMK | A. Baluchamy | 28,296 | 51.19% | New |
| | INC | M. Muthuperiasamy | 9,799 | 17.73% | −21.15 |
| | DMK | A. Muniyandi | 8,802 | 15.92% | −45.2 |
| | JP | S. K. P. Palusamy | 8,378 | 15.16% | New |
| Margin of victory | Margin of victory | Margin of victory | 18,497 | 33.46% | 11.22% |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 55,275 | 49.36% | −19.48% |
| Registered electors | Registered electors | Registered electors | 113,541 | | |
| | AIADMK gain from DMK | AIADMK gain from DMK | Swing | -9.93% | |
1980
[edit]
1980 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election: Samayanallur :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | AIADMK | A. Baluchamy | 50,612 | 53.61% | 9.11% |
| | DMK | P. Subashchandra Bose | 42,958 | 45.50% | 30.48% |
| | Independent | M. Chinnappan | 303 | 0.32% | |
| | Independent | Rakkan | 284 | 0.30% | |
| | Independent | K. Muniyandi | 253 | 0.27% | |
| Margin of victory | Margin of victory | Margin of victory | 7,654 | 8.11% | −10.68% |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 94,410 | 62.69% | 3.43% |
| Registered electors | Registered electors | Registered electors | 152,150 | | |
| | AIADMK hold | AIADMK hold | Swing | 9.11% | |
1984
[edit]
1984 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election: Nilakottai :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | AIADMK | A. Baluchamy | 55,162 | 62.88% | New |
| | DMK | M. Arivazhagan | 25,313 | 28.86% | −9.55 |
| | INC(J) | N. Periasamy | 5,400 | 6.16% | New |
| | Independent | S. P. Janakiraman | 1,846 | 2.10% | New |
| Margin of victory | Margin of victory | Margin of victory | 29,849 | 34.03% | 10.83% |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 87,721 | 70.46% | 5.18% |
| Registered electors | Registered electors | Registered electors | 130,589 | | |
| | AIADMK gain from Independent | AIADMK gain from Independent | Swing | 1.28% | |

## Personal life and legacy

Baluchamy was widely respected for his simple lifestyle, often seen wearing white dhoti and white shirt, he followed strong values and principles serving the community. His commitment to public service and grassroots politics earned him the admiration of his constituents.
He died on 8 February 2012, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to rural development and social welfare.