AVADI

Avadi constituency in Tamil Nadu has witnessed a mix of state-level development initiatives and persistent local civic challenges from 2021 to 2026 under DMK MLA S. M. Nasar, who won the seat in 2021 with 50.35% of votes (150,287 votes) defeating AIADMK's K. Pandiarajan. The state government launched several welfare schemes benefiting residents, including the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai Scheme providing ₹1,000 monthly assistance to eligible women, free bus travel for women (increasing usage from 40% to 65%), expansion of the Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme with ₹600 crore allocated in 2025-26, and enhanced health insurance coverage up to ₹10 lakh. Significant infrastructure announcements included a ₹36 crore Avadi Bus Terminus revamp announced in the 2024-25 budget and the Chennai-Tiruttani highway extension to 6 lanes at ₹1.68 billion cost. On January 3, 2025, Avadi City Municipal Corporation was significantly expanded by merging Poonamallee, Thiruverkadu, and Thirunindravur municipalities along with several village panchayats, aimed at improving civic infrastructure. However, Avadi has struggled with fundamental civic issues that have frustrated residents despite its municipal corporation status since 2019. Residents continue to face acute water and sanitation shortages, with many areas still relying on borewells and septic tanks rather than piped water supply. The corporation has been criticized for billing residents for water and sewage services they have never received, with deposits paid in previous years remaining unresolved. The underground drainage project initiated in 2009 remains incomplete, causing monsoon flooding and waterlogging. Only one-third of the area is covered by sewage systems, and irregular garbage collection persists. Interior roads remain poorly maintained despite high tax collection revenue, creating a disconnect between the taxes collected and services delivered. These issues have led to public complaints and protests, with residents expressing frustration over unfulfilled infrastructure promises including stormwater drains and complete water supply networks. As voters head to the polls on April 23, 2026, they face a choice between continuity and change. While state-level welfare schemes have provided tangible benefits, the gap between Avadi's status as a municipal corporation and ground-level service delivery remains stark. The constituency's expansion in 2025 and announced infrastructure projects offer promise, but many remain in planning or early execution stages. Voters should weigh the broader state government initiatives that have reached Avadi against the persistent local civic failures in basic utilities, drainage, and infrastructure that directly affect daily life. The 2026 election features S. M. Nasar seeking re-election for DMK against candidates from BJP (M. Rajasimha Mahindra), NTK (Punitha), and TVK (R. Rameshkumar), with results expected on May 4, 2026.