RAMANATHAPURAM

Ramanathapuram constituency has witnessed significant infrastructure development from 2021 to 2026 under MLA Katharbatcha Muthuramalingam (DMK), who won the seat in 2021 with 52.06% of votes, defeating the BJP by over 50,000 votes. Major achievements include the four-laning of the Paramakudi–Ramanathapuram section (46.7 km) of National Highway 87 at a cost of ₹1,853 crore (approved July 2025, inaugurated March 2026 by PM Modi), the Trichy Road Flyover under construction, and a proposed National Investment and Manufacturing Zone (NIMZ) worth ₹6,525 crore. The highway project alone is expected to generate 8.4 lakh person-days of direct employment. Statewide schemes have also benefited the area, including 71 drinking water supply projects (₹9,000 crore), the Kalaignarin Kanavu Illam housing scheme (₹7,000 crore for 2 lakh houses), and 1,384 new classrooms across municipal schools. However, severe civic challenges persist. Water scarcity remains critical, affecting 455 villages where women and children walk long distances to fetch water, sometimes having to pay for it. The proposed Sankarandevan Canal repair project faced implementation delays despite public petitions. Drainage and sanitation issues plague the constituency, with Underground Drainage system overflows, sewage discharge into water channels, and garbage dumping posing health hazards. Road conditions in Ramanathapuram town remain poorly maintained despite broader highway improvements, and infrastructure development has struggled to keep pace with tourism growth in this historically significant region. Politically, the constituency has seen DMK consolidation, with the AIADMK weakened by internal strife and defections (O. Panneerselvam and others joined DMK in 2022 and 2026). The BJP emerged as the principal opposition, finishing second in both the 2021 Assembly election (28.48% vote share) and 2024 Lok Sabha election. The 2024 Lok Sabha seat was won by IUML candidate Kani K. Navas with 45.92% votes. As the 2026 Assembly election approaches (scheduled April 23, 2026), voters should weigh the significant highway and industrial infrastructure projects against persistent water scarcity, sanitation failures, and delayed civic projects. The choice involves assessing whether large-scale state and central investments will eventually address long-standing local issues or if more immediate attention to basic services is needed.