CHEYYAR

Cheyyar constituency, represented by MLA Jothi O of the DMK since 2021, has witnessed significant infrastructure development over the past five years, particularly with the ambitious Chennai-Tiruvannamalai Expressway project. This 140 km, six-lane greenfield highway is expected to reduce travel time from 4.5 hours to approximately 2 hours, with the first phase (68 km from Oragadam to Cheyyar SIPCOT) being the most advanced. The constituency has also benefited from statewide initiatives including construction of over 3.30 lakh rural houses under the Prime Minister's Housing Scheme, more than 2.43 lakh toilets under Swachh Bharat Mission, and drinking water supply to over 7.15 lakh rural households under Jal Jeevan Mission since 2021. Industrial development has been a focus, with SIPCOT sanctioning 90 acres for eight companies and plans to acquire an additional 2,300 acres in the area. However, the constituency has faced persistent challenges including water scarcity, irregular irrigation, and tank maintenance problems affecting agriculture. Residents have complained about flooding, poor sanitation, inadequate garbage collection, and substandard interior road connectivity hampering access to markets and emergency services. Coastal erosion has particularly affected fishing communities, with demands for government intervention remaining largely unaddressed. The broader DMK government has faced criticism over rising living costs, including electricity tariff hikes, and opposition leader Anbumani Ramadoss claimed only 13% of the DMK's 2021 manifesto promises were fulfilled by 2025. Jothi O won the 2021 election with 102,460 votes (47.78%), defeating AIADMK's Dusi K. Mohan by a margin of 12,271 votes. While no direct criminal charges or corruption allegations against the MLA were found in available records, broader governance concerns under DMK rule have affected public sentiment. The constituency has also been impacted by statewide events including the severe COVID-19 pandemic and the 2025 Karur crowd crush during a TVK rally that claimed 41 lives. As the 2026 elections approach (scheduled for April 23, 2026), voters should weigh the significant infrastructure projects and housing schemes against persistent civic issues, unfulfilled promises on basic amenities, and concerns about rising costs of living.