NANGUNERI

Nanguneri constituency in Tamil Nadu's Tirunelveli district has experienced a mixed period from 2021 to 2026 under MLA Ruby R. Manoharan of the Indian National Congress, who won the 2021 election with a margin of 16,486 votes (39.74% vote share). The constituency, predominantly agrarian and dependent on the Manimuthar Dam for irrigation, has seen significant state and central government investment in infrastructure. Major achievements include 89 rural roads spanning 370 km under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, drinking water supply to over 7.15 lakh rural houses under the Jal Jeevan scheme (₹2,123 crore investment), and construction of 2.43 lakh toilets under Swachh Bharat Mission. The state government also allocated ₹55,261 crore for education and ₹21,906 crore for health in the 2025-26 budget, with a 1,000 MW pumped storage hydroelectric project announced for the Vellimalai area. However, persistent challenges have frustrated residents. The Nanguneri Special Economic Zone (SEZ), promised for over 25 years, remains stalled and unfulfilled, becoming a recurring election issue with no job creation or economic growth materialized. Water scarcity continues to plague farmers who depend on uncertain releases from the Manimuthar Dam for cultivating paddy and banana crops. The constituency faces ongoing caste tensions that influence electoral politics through tri-cornered contests. State-wide issues have also impacted residents, including electricity tariff hikes up to 45%, property tax increases of 150%, and delayed implementation of the DMK's promised ₹1,000 monthly assistance for women (delayed by 28 months with added eligibility criteria). As voters approach the 2026 election (scheduled for April 9, 2026, with counting on May 4), they should consider both the infrastructure improvements in roads, water supply, and sanitation alongside the unresolved core issues of the SEZ project failure, water scarcity for agriculture, and the economic strain from increased living costs. The constituency's 254,420 registered voters must weigh whether the current representation has adequately addressed their agrarian concerns and long-standing development promises. With candidates from INC, AMMK, NTK, and TVK contesting, voters face important choices about accountability and future development priorities.