RAJAPALAYAM

Rajapalayam constituency experienced significant development activity between 2021 and 2026 under DMK MLA S. Thangappandian, who won in 2021 with 74,158 votes (41.94%) against AIADMK's narrow defeat. Major infrastructure investments included the ₹2,849.22 crore upgrade of NH 744 to four-lane highway and ₹2,415 crore Bharatmala Pariyojana projects. The constituency benefited from statewide schemes: 90% households received tap water connections under Jal Jeevan Mission, over 2.43 lakh rural toilets were constructed under Swachh Bharat Mission, and 3.30 lakh houses were built under PMAY since 2021. Road connectivity improved through state highway upgrades (SH-41 and SH-186), 88 check dams were constructed for water conservation, and the Kalaignar Kanavu Illam Scheme provided affordable housing. Education initiatives included the Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme and plans for 20 lakh tablets/laptops by 2025-26, while farmers received subsidized electricity for irrigation. However, the period was marked by significant controversies affecting the broader state and constituency. The DMK government faced corruption allegations including the ₹1,000 crore TASMAC scam, though no specific charges were documented against the local MLA. Sanitation workers, mostly Dalit women, protested privatization of garbage collection services with reports of police violence. Several key election promises saw delayed implementation: the ₹1,000 monthly assistance for women took 28 months to implement with additional criteria, while residents faced significant cost-of-living increases through hikes in electricity tariffs, property taxes, water charges, and milk prices. Land acquisition disputes affected farmers statewide, with seven detained under the Goondas Act after 125-day protests in Tiruvannamalai. The political landscape shifted notably with multiple AIADMK members including O. Panneerselvam, P.H. Manoj Pandian, and R. Vaithilingam being expelled in 2022 and later joining DMK. Looking ahead to the 2026 elections scheduled for April 23, the constituency sees increased competition with BJP fielding Priscilla Pandian for the first time, alongside DMK's S. Thanga Pandian, NTK's Karthik, and new entrant TVK's K. Jagadeeswari. Voters should consider both the substantial infrastructure development and welfare schemes delivered, against the backdrop of corruption allegations, broken or delayed promises, increased living costs, and civic worker protests that characterized this period. The narrow 3,898-vote margin in 2021 suggests this remains a competitive constituency where local development record and governance credibility will be crucial factors.