METTUR

Mettur constituency, represented by MLA S. Sadhasivam of the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) since his narrow 2021 victory (44.43% vote share), has experienced mixed governance over the past five years. On the development front, the constituency benefited from the Mettur Surplus Water Scheme inaugurated in February 2021, aimed at irrigating 4,238 acres across 40 villages and providing drinking water to 38 villages. Infrastructure improvements included national highway expansions (NH 7 and NH 44), state road upgrades, establishment of new grid substations, solar power projects, and SIPCOT industrial estates. Rural development programs like MGNREGA, Jal Jeevan Mission for household water connections, and Swachh Bharat Mission for sanitation continued, alongside healthcare facility upgrades and school infrastructure improvements. However, significant controversies marred the MLA's tenure. In August 2023, a dowry harassment case was registered against MLA Sadhasivam and his family by his daughter-in-law, raising serious questions about ethical conduct and potential abuse of power. Civic issues persisted throughout the period, including recurring flooding from Mettur Dam releases (June and September 2025), ongoing waste management challenges, and the chronic Cauvery water dispute with Karnataka that threatened farmer livelihoods. Farmers protested multiple times for increased water releases, particularly in March 2025. Public dissatisfaction also grew over tax hikes (electricity tariffs up 45%, property taxes up 150%) and delayed implementation of promised schemes like free bus travel for women. Voters should weigh the infrastructure development against governance controversies, the MLA's legal troubles, and unresolved civic issues when considering their choice in the upcoming election. The effectiveness of announced projects like the Mettur Surplus Water Scheme remains unclear despite its 2021 inauguration.