He previously represented the Gobichettipalayam lok sabha constituency of Tamil Nadu and was Textiles Minister in Government of India (2004 -2009), in Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh Government.
Prior to this, he was the representative for the Gobichettipalayam district in Tamil Nadu's parliament. He also held the position of Textiles Minister during the tenure of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh's government from 2004 to 2009.