PUDUKKOTTAI

V. Muthuraja of the DMK has represented Pudukkottai constituency since winning the 2021 Assembly election with 85,802 votes (47.7%), defeating AIADMK's V. R. Karthik Thondaiman. Over the past five years, the constituency benefited from state-wide schemes including the MLACDS program that allocated ₹702 crore annually for local development, the Jal Jeevan Mission for rural tap water, construction of over 2.43 lakh toilets under Swachh Bharat Mission, and the Naan Mudhalvan Scheme for skill development. However, specific project details for Pudukkottai remain limited in available records. The constituency has faced significant challenges, particularly a severe water crisis in Pudukottai town. The primary water supply from the Cauvery River dropped drastically from 25 million liters per day to just 8 MLD, forcing the municipality to implement a 10-day rotation system across 42 wards serving 200,000 residents. This sparked multiple public agitations demanding consistent water supply. Additionally, residents of neighboring panchayats like Thirumalairayasamuthiyam and Thirukkattalai protested proposed mergers with Pudukottai Corporation, fearing tax hikes and loss of rural benefits. The town, once a well-planned princely state, now struggles with deteriorating civic infrastructure and inadequate planning for urbanization. The DMK government has faced broader allegations of corruption, including a ₹30,000 crore charge linked to state finance minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan based on leaked audio clips. While no specific criminal cases against MLA Muthuraja were documented, the political environment has been tense with accusations of unfulfilled promises and governance failures. Pudukottai's upgrade from municipality to corporation was announced in March 2024 but has yet to fully materialize. Looking ahead to the 2026 elections, voters should weigh the constituency's inclusion in state-wide welfare schemes against persistent local issues like water scarcity and infrastructure delays that have significantly impacted daily life.