PONNERI (Reserved)

Ponneri (SC) constituency in Tamil Nadu has experienced a mixed trajectory from 2021 to 2026 under MLA Durai Chandrasekar of the Indian National Congress. The period saw the DMK-led state government under Chief Minister M.K. Stalin (since May 2021) announce several ambitious infrastructure initiatives. Prime Minister Modi unveiled development projects worth Rs 5,650 crore for Tamil Nadu, including 89 rural roads spanning 370 km under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana to improve rural connectivity. The state government reported attracting investments of Rs 9.74 lakh crore and creating an estimated 31 lakh jobs across Tamil Nadu during 2021-2023, with skill development programs like the Naan Mudhalvan Scheme being implemented. However, residents of Ponneri have expressed significant dissatisfaction with the lack of tangible local benefits despite the presence of major industries including the North Chennai Thermal Power Station, Kattupalli Port, Adani Port, and Indian Oil Corporation. Critical civic issues persist, including water scarcity with groundwater in areas like Minjur becoming saline due to nearby power stations. Healthcare infrastructure remains inadequate, with ongoing demands for an ESI Hospital and upgrades to the existing Primary Health Centre. Educational facilities are lacking, with residents demanding a government women's college in Ponneri or Minjur as students must currently travel to Chennai for higher education. Transportation infrastructure, particularly bus services and a promised bus terminus near Ponneri market, has seen slow progress. The constituency has also witnessed public demands for Ponneri Taluk to be carved out as a separate district from Tiruvallur for better administrative accessibility. The 'Chennai Super 6' manifesto unveiled ahead of polls promised completion of underground sewerage projects, RO-purified drinking water systems, the Chennai Peripheral Road from Ennore to Poonjeri by 2027, and high-intensity street lighting. While no specific corruption allegations against MLA Chandrasekar emerged in available data, concerns about underutilization of Corporate Social Responsibility funds and limited employment generation from industrial development remain key issues. Voters should consider the gap between state-level announcements and ground-level implementation in Ponneri, particularly regarding basic civic amenities like water, healthcare, and education. While broader industrial and infrastructure projects have been announced for Tamil Nadu, residents report that benefits have not adequately reached this constituency despite its significant industrial presence. The disconnect between industrial development and local welfare, along with unfulfilled infrastructure promises, remain central issues for voters to evaluate.