Doctors Turn Patient Care into Election Campaigns

In Chennai, several doctors are now entering politics and using their medical experience as part of their election campaigns. Many of them are turning the relationships they built with patients over the years into support from voters.

These doctor-candidates are meeting people they have treated in the past and using their strong community networks to reach more voters. Their work as doctors has helped them become well known and trusted in their areas.

Among political parties, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam has the highest number of doctors in its candidate list, with around 15 candidates from the medical field. The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has about 11 doctor candidates, while the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam has five.

Other well-known doctor candidates include Tamilisai Soundararajan from the Bharatiya Janata Party and A. Chellakumar from the Indian National Congress, who is contesting from Krishnagiri.

The growing number of doctors in elections shows how professionals from different fields are now taking part in politics, using their public service experience to connect with voters.