METTUPALAYAM

Mettupalayam constituency in Tamil Nadu's Nilgiris District has experienced modest development alongside broader state-level challenges over the past five years (2021-2026). A. K. Selvaraj of AIADMK has represented the constituency since winning the 2021 election by a narrow margin of just 2,456 votes (1.09%) against DMK's T. R. Shanmugasundaram. While specific constituency-level projects have been limited in available records, some infrastructure improvements materialized, including development works worth Rs 1.08 crore inaugurated by Nilgiris MP A Raja in April 2026, covering tar roads, concrete roads, and stormwater drains across areas like Omshakti Nagar and Pallepalayam. The Mettupalayam railway station was also selected for upgradation under the central government's Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. The constituency has been affected by state-wide controversies and governance issues. The DMK government, which came to power in Tamil Nadu in 2021 under Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, faced allegations including a cash-for-jobs scam in the Municipal Administration and Water Supply department and a purported Rs 1,000 crore TASMAC corruption case. Residents have also dealt with typical civic challenges such as flooding, waste management issues, and increased living costs due to hikes in electricity tariffs, property taxes, water charges, and milk prices implemented by the state government. The broader political landscape saw significant turmoil with multiple AIADMK members defecting to DMK between 2022-2026. Voters should note that detailed, constituency-specific information on development projects, healthcare improvements, education infrastructure, and employment schemes remains limited in public records. As the 2026 election approaches (scheduled for April 23, 2026), voters should assess whether the sitting MLA adequately addressed local concerns, secured sufficient state and central funding for infrastructure, and effectively represented constituency interests amid the state's political transitions and controversies.