The Tambaram constituency in Tamil Nadu experienced significant political and developmental activity from 2021 to 2026. DMK candidate S.R. Raja won the 2021 assembly elections with 116,840 votes (46.93%), defeating AIADMK's T.K.M. Chinnayya by a margin of 36,824 votes. The period saw implementation of several state and central government schemes, including rural road projects under PMGSY spanning 370 km, water supply projects worth Rs. 8.16 crore for Perumbakkam and Semmencheri, and housing schemes under PMAY. Tamil Nadu attracted investments of Rs. 9.74 lakh crore creating an estimated 31 lakh jobs during 2021-2023. However, the constituency also faced significant challenges. Major controversies included a cash-for-jobs scam involving the Minister for Municipal Administration and Water Supply K.N. Nehru, with ED submitting dossiers to the Madras High Court detailing exam manipulation and bribery. Residents complained about inadequate water supply, poor stormwater drainage, and garbage collection issues, with the corporation citing staffing shortages as a reason for delayed projects. Heavy rainfall and flooding affected Tambaram in November 2021. Political realignments marked the period, with three AIADMK members expelled in June 2022 and subsequently joining DMK, followed by more defections in 2025-2026. Ahead of the 2026 elections scheduled for April 23, voters should weigh the developmental initiatives and welfare schemes against governance challenges, corruption allegations, and unfulfilled civic infrastructure promises that have affected daily life in the constituency.
Key Achievements
• DMK won Tambaram seat in 2021 with 116,840 votes (46.93%), defeating AIADMK by 36,824 votes
Past Election Results
ECI Data
2021Tamil Nadu 2021
6 candidates contested
Turnout
59.9%
Total Votes
2,48,968
Victory Margin
36,824 (14.79%)
NOTA Votes
2,284 (0.92%)
S. R. Raja (DMK)28.1%1,16,840
T. K. M. Chinnayya (AIADMK)19.3%80,016
Elango Siva (MNM)5.4%22,530
T. Sureshkumar (NTK)4.7%19,494
M. Karikalan (AMMK)1.0%4,207
P. A. Abdulnazar (Tamil Nadu Ilangyar Katchi)0.3%1,351
• PM Modi unveiled development projects worth Rs. 5,650 crore in Tamil Nadu including 89 rural roads spanning 370 km under PMGSY for improved access to markets, schools, and healthcare
• Water supply main project from OMR to Perumbakkam and Semmencheri approved at estimated cost of Rs. 8.16 crore
• Tamil Nadu attracted investments of Rs. 9.74 lakh crore and created an estimated 31 lakh jobs during 2021-2023
• Tamil Nadu government provided drinking water to 9 lakh villagers despite COVID-19 pandemic, working toward coverage of all 1.20 crore families by 2024
• Eleven new government medical colleges approved across Tamil Nadu districts including projects benefiting Tambaram area
Development Projects
• 89 rural roads spanning about 370 km under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) for improved rural connectivity
• Additional dedicated water supply main from OMR to Perumbakkam and Semmencheri at Rs. 8.16 crore
• Tamil Nadu Housing Board (TNHB) and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) housing schemes implemented for urban and rural areas
• Smart Cities Mission projects in Chennai including intelligent street lighting, e-waste management, and digital services
• Bharatmala highway initiative and coastal road projects in Chennai metropolitan area
• Swachh Bharat Mission projects including household and community toilets, solid waste management systems
Controversies
• Cash-for-jobs scam involving Minister K.N. Nehru with ED submitting dossiers to Madras High Court detailing manipulation of MAWS department exam process and bribery
• Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused DMK government of widespread corruption with '20 per cent commission' rule in various departments
• DMK faced internal unrest in 2026 after dropping sitting MLA S.R. Raja and fielding Dr. Krithika Devi, leading to protests by Raja supporters who besieged DMK treasurer T.R. Baalu's residence
• Arrests by Narcotics Control Bureau related to international drug smuggling operations involving individuals linked to political circles close to chief minister
Unfulfilled Promises
• Long-pending underground drainage projects in Tambaram delayed due to staffing limitations as of 2023
• Missing links of storm water drains remain incomplete with projects on hold due to staffing and funding issues
• Integrated water supply projects stalled as acknowledged by Tambaram corporation commissioner in 2023
• Door-to-door garbage collection challenges persist due to health department staffing shortages as of 2023
• Residents demanded dedicated portal for complaint tracking, construction plan approvals, and property tax payment indicating unfulfilled e-governance promises
Major Events
• S.R. Raja (DMK) won Tambaram constituency in 2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election with 116,840 votes defeating AIADMK's T.K.M. Chinnayya
• Heavy rainfall and flooding in Tambaram in November 2021 causing localized disruptions
• Three AIADMK members (O. Panneerselvam, P.H. Manoj Pandian, R. Vaithilingam) expelled in June 2022 and later joined DMK
• T.K. Amulkandasami (AIADMK) died on 21 June 2025
• K. Ponnusamy (DMK) passed away on 23 October 2025
• Former AIADMK leaders P. Ayyappan and O. Panneerselvam resigned from assembly and joined DMK in February 2026
• 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election scheduled for 23 April 2026 with results on 4 May 2026
