Rajathi Ammal, famously known as the third wife of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, remains a significant figure in Tamil Nadu politics and society. Her life, intertwined with high-profile controversies and political power, continues to fascinate many.

Biography/Wiki

Born in 1945 in Tamil Nadu, India, Rajathi Ammal is a widow. Her early interest in acting led her to join a drama troupe in the mid-1960s, run by the renowned poet Kannadasan. She resided at 14-1, First Main Road, CIT Colony in Mylapore, Chennai.

Family, Caste & Husband

Rajathi Ammal hails from a Hindu family. Her relationship with M. Karunanidhi began during his election campaign in the late 1960s, leading to a secret marriage. It’s important to note that this marriage wasn’t legally recognized, as Karunanidhi was already married to Padmavathi and Dayalu Ammal.

Step-Children

Rajathi Ammal is the stepmother to five children from Karunanidhi’s previous marriages. These include:

• M. K. Muthu (son, with Padmavathi)
• M. K. Alagiri (son, with Dayalu Ammal)
• M. K. Stalin (son, with Dayalu Ammal)
• M. K. Tamilarasu (son, with Dayalu Ammal)
• Selvi Geetha Kovilam (daughter, with Dayalu Ammal)

Many of her step-children are prominent political figures in Tamil Nadu.

Family Tree

A detailed family tree would be beneficial here to visualize the family structure better. Unfortunately, creating a visual family tree within this format is not possible. However, the information provided above gives a good understanding of her family.

Controversy

In 2009, Rajathi Ammal became embroiled in a controversy involving a land deal in Chennai. Discussions with corporate lobbyist Niira Radia regarding a potential land transfer worth ?100 crore, initially owned by Tata-owned Voltas, drew significant media attention. While investigations ensued, no concrete evidence was found to support the allegations.

Salary/Net Worth

As of 2011, Rajathi Ammal’s reported annual salary as a businesswoman was ?1.67 crore, with a net worth of ?21 crore in movable assets.

Style Quotient

Rajathi Ammal is known for her taste in gold jewelry and ornaments, estimated to be worth approximately ?9 lakh. She also holds investments in various businesses, including ownership of ‘West Gate Logistics Pvt Ltd’.

Facts

Several interesting facts highlight Rajathi Ammal’s life:

• Her relationship with Karunanidhi became public knowledge when he referred to her as his daughter Kanimozhi’s mother.
• Their marriage was considered illegal under The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.
• They followed a DMK tradition called ‘Swayam Maryada Kalyanam’ for their union.
• In the 2016 assembly elections, her stepson M.K. Stalin succeeded his father as Chief Minister.

Children

Rajathi Ammal has one biological daughter, Kanimozhi, who is a Member of the Rajya Sabha from Tamil Nadu. Kanimozhi’s son-in-law, G. Aravindaan, is a software professional, and she also has grandsons, Adithyan and another.