DHARMAPURI

Dharmapuri constituency, represented by MLA S.P. Venkateshwaran of the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) since 2021, has witnessed both development initiatives and significant public grievances over the past five years. The constituency benefited from several state-wide programs including progress on the Hogenakkal Integrated Drinking Water Project (Phase 2 estimated at ₹4,600 crore), new school buildings inaugurated by the Higher Education Minister, and announcements of a SIPCOT industrial park and ₹20 crore allocation for Vathalmalai tourism development. Infrastructure improvements included work on NH-44, NH-844, and new bypass roads in neighboring areas. However, the period was marked by serious challenges including severe water scarcity, with the critical Thenpennai Surplus Water Scheme proposed in 2019 remaining largely unimplemented despite farmer protests. Unemployment remained a pressing issue, with many graduates forced into low-paying jobs or migration to other cities. In March 2026, frustrated farmers in 12 villages announced an election boycott to protest the water scheme delays, highlighting deep-seated public anger. The constituency also experienced internal political turmoil when MLA Venkateshwaran was censured in 2025 by party founder S. Ramadoss after declaring support for PMK President Anbumani Ramadoss, eventually joining Anbumani's faction along with two other PMK MLAs. This internal party conflict raised questions about political stability. The region's underlying caste tensions, exemplified by the 2012 Dharmapuri violence (though predating this term), continued to cast a shadow over social harmony. Healthcare services expanded through Government Dharmapuri Medical College and various PHCs, while sanitation drives under Swachh Bharat Mission and the 'Cleanliness as Service' campaign (September 2024) were implemented, though with mixed results. As voters approach the April 23, 2026 Assembly elections, they face a multi-cornered contest between Dr. Sowmiya Anbumani (PMK), Dr. V Elangovan (DMDK), M Sivan (TVK), and K Shantha Lakshmi (NTK). Key considerations include the unfulfilled promises on water infrastructure, persistent unemployment challenges, and the need for political stability. While state-level schemes brought some benefits, the critical question remains whether local grievances—particularly around water scarcity and economic distress—will be adequately addressed by the next representative. The farmer boycott movement and the MLA's party conflict reflect a constituency seeking more responsive governance and tangible solutions to long-standing problems.