NAGAPATTINAM

Nagapattinam constituency, represented by J. Mohamed Shanavas of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) since his 2021 victory by 7,238 votes, has experienced mixed outcomes over the past five years. The constituency benefited from several central and state schemes including the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (launched October 2021 with ₹100 lakh crore investment), Jal Jeevan Mission for drinking water supply, upgrades to primary health centers under the National Health Mission, and school infrastructure improvements through Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan. Employment generation through MGNREGA and skill development programs, along with affordable housing under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, provided some relief to low-income families. The power grid received investments in substations and distribution networks to reduce outages. However, significant controversies and unfulfilled promises have marred the constituency's governance. The most notable broken promise is the 2012 pledge to upgrade Nagapattinam Port into an all-weather facility at ₹380 crore, which remains on paper as of 2026. A ₹150 crore harbour project in Arcottuthurai, started during the AIADMK regime, remains incomplete due to alleged lack of funding. A major controversy erupted over the DMK government's decision to shift the site of a critical flood control barrier (Kadaimadai Anai) across the Vettaru river by 2 km, allegedly to benefit private individuals, endangering 32 villages' farmlands and water sources. The fishing community has faced severe challenges including declining catches, arrests by Sri Lanka, and restrictions on mechanized fishing that have damaged livelihoods. Civic issues have plagued residents, with acute water scarcity being particularly severe—in Varadharajapuram, piped water supply occurs only once in 14 days. Rising costs have strained families, with electricity tariffs increasing up to 45%, property taxes up to 150%, and water charges by 5-10%. The Akkarai Kulam water body has turned polluted due to poor maintenance. Farmer protests against the flood control project site shift and fishermen's agitations against fishing restrictions have been largely ignored by authorities. As the 2026 assembly elections approach on April 23, voters should weigh the implementation of national schemes against persistent civic neglect, stalled major projects, controversial decision-making, and the erosion of trust due to unfulfilled promises—particularly the port development that has remained elusive for over a decade.