SRIVILLIPUTHUR (Reserved)

Srivilliputhur (SC) constituency in Virudhunagar district has been represented by E.M. Manraj of AIADMK since the April 6, 2021 election, where he defeated the INC candidate by 12,738 votes with a 73.16% voter turnout. The tragic death of the INC candidate P.S.W. Madhava Rao from COVID-19 on April 11, 2021, just five days after the election, marked a somber beginning to this term. Over the past five years, the constituency has benefited from various central and state schemes including water supply connections under Jal Jeevan Mission (over 7.15 lakh houses statewide at ₹2,123 crore), Swachh Bharat Mission (over 2.43 lakh toilets constructed), and PMAY housing (over 3.30 lakh houses built between May 2021 and October 2024). A significant development is the selection of Srivilliputhur railway station for upgradation under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Roads have been improved under the MLACDS scheme, which allocated ₹702 crore annually for 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24, completing over 26,000 works across the state. However, the constituency has faced persistent challenges that have generated public grievances. The handloom sector, a crucial livelihood source for local weavers, continues to struggle with limited market access and inadequate government support, despite pre-election promises of financial assistance and skill development programs. Infrastructure deficits remain problematic, including poor drainage and sanitation systems causing waterlogging during monsoons, traffic congestion near temple and market areas, drinking water shortages during summer, and weak healthcare infrastructure forcing residents to travel to nearby cities for specialized treatment. Youth unemployment remains high due to lack of industrial development and vocational training centers. Several promised development projects, including road upgrades and market infrastructure improvements, have been stalled due to bureaucratic delays and funding issues. The broader political context has been marked by significant realignments within AIADMK, with major leaders like O. Panneerselvam, P.H. Manoj Pandian, and R. Vaithilingam being expelled in June 2022 and later joining the DMK. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the constituency, as it did all of Tamil Nadu. As the 2026 elections approach (scheduled for April-May 2026 with results on May 4), voters should weigh the implementation of various central and state welfare schemes against unfulfilled local promises, particularly regarding the handloom sector support, infrastructure improvements, and employment generation. While statewide development indicators show progress, ground-level issues in civic amenities, economic support for traditional sectors, and healthcare access remain areas of concern that require sustained attention.