CHEYYUR (Reserved)

The Cheyyur (SC) constituency in Chengalpattu district experienced a significant political shift in the 2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election when M. Babu of VCK (Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi) won the seat with 82,750 votes (46.49%), defeating AIADMK's S. Kanitha by a narrow margin of 4,042 votes. The constituency, with 202,055 electors as of 2026, witnessed important infrastructure developments including road improvements under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (part of PM Modi's ₹5,650 crore Tamil Nadu projects), and proposals for a 4000 MW Ultra Mega Power Plant at Cheyyur. Industrial growth was boosted through SIPCOT estates, with major automotive investments like VinFast plant (2025) and Tata Motors/JLR plant (2026) in nearby areas potentially benefiting local employment. Social welfare schemes such as fare-free bus travel for women (₹3,600 crore allocation in 2025-26 budget), Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam healthcare, Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme for children, and TAHDCO subsidized housing for SC communities were implemented. However, the constituency faced persistent challenges including severe water scarcity affecting both drinking water and irrigation, with farmers protesting irregular tank maintenance and the broader Kaveri River water dispute. The proposed Ultra Mega Power Project sparked controversies over land acquisition, with farmers demanding fair compensation and better resettlement plans. Civic issues such as flooding during monsoons, inadequate garbage disposal, poor drainage systems, and salinity intrusion in water sources led to public protests. Interior road connectivity and healthcare access remained concerns in rural areas. While broader allegations of corruption emerged against the DMK government at the state level, no specific criminal cases against MLA M. Babu were documented in available sources. As Cheyyur prepares for the April 23, 2026 assembly elections with results expected on May 4, 2026, voters should consider both the infrastructure investments and social welfare schemes delivered, alongside the unresolved issues of water security, land disputes, and civic infrastructure. The constituency remains politically competitive, with VCK's Sinthanai Selvan, AIADMK's E. Rajasekar, NTK's Swathi Lakshmi, and TVK's K Mohanraja contesting. The 78.27% voter turnout in 2021 reflects strong political engagement in this predominantly agricultural and fishing community, where local issues like irrigation, coastal erosion, and welfare delivery remain central to electoral decisions.