ANDIPATTI

A. Maharajan of the DMK has represented Andipatti constituency since winning the 2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election with a margin of 8,538 votes over AIADMK's A. Logirajan. Over the past five years (2021-2026), the constituency has seen a mixed record of development initiatives and persistent civic challenges. The MLA has focused on infrastructure improvements including road laying and upgradation, establishing new Primary Health Centres, constructing new school buildings, and implementing state welfare schemes such as Kalaignar Kanavu Illam (housing), Naan Mudhalvan (skill development), and Kalaignar Mahalir Urimai Thittam (women's welfare). Development of anganwadi centres and provision of RO-purified drinking water in areas without metro water connections have also been undertaken. However, significant problems remain unresolved according to local reports. Residents continue to face inadequate roads, poor drainage leading to flooding, insufficient drinking water supply, and persistent garbage disposal issues. Allegations of corruption have emerged, with claims that beneficiaries must pay bribes to officials to receive welfare benefits, including demands for kickbacks to obtain house site pattas and subsidies for small and medium enterprises. Several development projects have reportedly stalled, contributing to public dissatisfaction despite some infrastructure improvements. The political landscape remains competitive, with the 2026 election scheduled for April 23 featuring active campaigns by both DMK and AIADMK. Notable political shifts include defections of AIADMK members O. Panneerselvam, P. H. Manoj Pandian, and R. Vaithilingam to the DMK, impacting state-level dynamics. As voters approach the polls, they should consider both the welfare schemes implemented and the persistent civic issues that remain unaddressed. The lack of specific budget figures and project completion timelines makes it difficult to fully assess the scale and impact of development efforts. Voters should weigh the government's development initiatives against the ongoing challenges in basic amenities and allegations of administrative corruption when making their electoral decision.