LALGUDI

Lalgudi constituency in Tamil Nadu, represented by DMK MLA A. Soundarapandian since 2006, has experienced significant infrastructure development between 2021 and 2026. Major projects include the completion of the four-laning of NH-36's 50 km Sethiyathope-Cholapuram section (costing over Rs 2,350 crore) with a 1-km bridge over the Kollidam River, and the foundation stone for a Rs 248.59 crore combined drinking water supply scheme benefiting 109 habitations in Lalgudi and Pullampadi unions laid in November 2022. The constituency also benefited from rural road upgrades under PMGSY, housing schemes that constructed over 3.30 lakh houses in rural areas, and statewide initiatives like the Naan Mudhalvan skill development scheme and Jal Jeevan Mission which achieved 90% household tap connections across Tamil Nadu. However, significant civic issues persist in Lalgudi municipality. Residents have reported failures in establishing basic infrastructure since its upgrade to municipality status, including dangerous railway track crossings due to lack of proper underpasses, unsanitary and cracked tunnels, overcrowded roundabouts creating safety hazards, and poor public transport adherence to schedules. Educational institutions face serious challenges, with government schools reportedly poorly functioning and one higher secondary school described as a 'drug hub' by concerned parents. Sanitation issues, including poor toilet cleaning management in schools, and traffic problems with encroachment by hawkers and auto stands on public spaces remain unresolved. The political landscape is shifting significantly as Lalgudi approaches the April 23, 2026 elections. A. Soundarapandian, who won the 2021 election with a margin of 16,949 votes (9.77%), has been replaced by the DMK with T. Parivallal as their candidate. The AIADMK has fielded Leema Rose Martin, wife of lottery baron Santiago Martin, creating a highly competitive three-cornered contest with NTK's N. Madhan also in the fray. Voters should consider both the large-scale infrastructure investments delivered across the constituency and the persistent civic issues at the municipal level, while evaluating whether the MLA's replacement by the DMK represents a response to local grievances or a strategic party decision.