SANKARANKOVIL (Reserved)

Sankarankovil (SC) constituency in Tamil Nadu has experienced a mixed tenure under DMK MLA E. Raja, who won the seat in the 2021 Assembly elections, marking a DMK gain from AIADMK. The constituency benefited from statewide DMK government initiatives between 2021 and 2026, including the Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam Scheme (launched August 2021) for door-to-door healthcare, the Naan Mudhalvan Scheme (March 2022) for youth skill development, and Mission Iyarkai (2022) for environmental education in schools. Prime Minister Modi announced infrastructure projects worth over Rs 5,650 crore for Tamil Nadu, including 89 rural roads spanning 370 km under PMGSY to improve rural connectivity. Industrial development in nearby Sivaganga district, including a Rs 5,300 crore MRF tyre plant at Sipcot-Iluppaikudi, promised employment opportunities for local residents. However, significant challenges and controversies have marked this period. MLA Raja E faces an ongoing CBI investigation for alleged disproportionate assets worth Rs 5.53 crore from his tenure as Union Minister (1999-2010), with the case pending in Madras High Court. Residents have voiced persistent grievances about chronic water shortages requiring private tankers, flooding during monsoons due to inadequate drainage, uncollected garbage during municipal worker strikes, and poor road conditions on rural routes. Land encroachment disputes near the Sankaranarayanar Temple have sparked local tensions. Youth groups and citizens have staged protests demanding accountability for unfulfilled election promises, particularly regarding healthcare facilities, road infrastructure, and job creation. Several infrastructure projects including road widening, bridge construction, and market modernization initiated before 2021 remain incomplete as of 2026. Voters should consider both the broader state-level welfare schemes that may have reached the constituency and the unresolved local issues that have persisted throughout this term. The corruption allegations against the sitting MLA, combined with civic infrastructure gaps and stalled projects, contrast with the DMK government's statewide development initiatives. As the 2026 elections approach, the constituency faces questions about local governance effectiveness, project implementation, and whether campaign promises on water supply, roads, employment, and civic amenities will be fulfilled. The political landscape has also shifted with senior AIADMK leader Anwar Raajhaa joining DMK ahead of 2026 polls, potentially influencing electoral dynamics.