ANAIKATTU

A.P. Nandakumar of the DMK has represented Anaikattu constituency since winning the April 6, 2021 election with 95,159 votes (48.55%), defeating AIADMK's D. Velazhagan by a margin of 6,360 votes. Over the past five years, the constituency has witnessed substantial infrastructure development with investments exceeding ₹350 crore across healthcare, irrigation, roads, and housing sectors. Major projects include a new ₹80 crore government hospital, renovation of the Anaikattu Periya Eri tank (₹36.29 crore), desilting of Perumpallam Canal (₹29.25 crore), and construction of 1,600 houses under PMAY. Rural connectivity was enhanced with over ₹25 crore invested in road upgrades, and education infrastructure saw improvements worth ₹1.83 crore. However, the tenure has not been without challenges. While specific controversies directly involving MLA Nandakumar are not documented, the broader DMK government in Tamil Nadu has faced serious allegations including a ₹888 crore cash-for-jobs scam in the Municipal Administration department investigated by the Enforcement Directorate, and corruption charges worth thousands of crores leveled by opposition BJP leaders. Statewide issues such as delays in implementing the promised ₹1,000 monthly financial assistance for women (delayed over 28 months), increased electricity tariffs, property taxes, and water charges have likely impacted Anaikattu residents. Persistent problems like water scarcity and flooding concerns remain unresolved across the region. Future proposals for the constituency include a ₹100 crore Mega Market Complex in Odugathur, a new ₹5 crore Taluk Office in Peranambattu, and expansion of the Vellore Smart City initiative into Anaikattu (₹8.5 crore). As voters approach the April 23, 2026 assembly elections, they should weigh the substantial development investments made in infrastructure and public services against broader governance concerns, statewide controversies affecting the DMK government, and persistent civic issues. The close 3.24% victory margin in 2021 suggests Anaikattu remains a competitive constituency where voter satisfaction with both local development and state-level governance will be crucial.