THIRUVOTTIYUR

Thiruvottiyur constituency, represented by K.P. Shankar of the DMK since his election in May 2021 with a margin of 37,661 votes, has experienced a mix of development initiatives and persistent civic challenges over the past five years. The constituency benefited from statewide schemes under the DMK government, including affordable housing projects under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (₹1,25,000 crore sanctioned for Tamil Nadu) and the Kalaignarin Kanavu Illam scheme aimed at constructing 1 lakh concrete houses. Infrastructure improvements included water supply extensions, participation in the Jal Jeevan Mission covering 7.15 lakh rural houses, and the MLA Constituency Development Scheme allocating ₹702 crore annually for local works, with over 26,000 projects completed across Tamil Nadu constituencies including Thiruvottiyur. However, the constituency has grappled with significant civic issues that have affected residents' quality of life. Severe water shortages persist, with residents dependent on groundwater and private tankers due to inconsistent metro water supply and concerns about seawater intrusion in coastal areas. Traffic congestion has worsened, and drainage and garbage disposal remain problematic. The constituency experienced strain on civic infrastructure following the 2019 district bifurcation, with residents expressing feelings of neglect. Additionally, MLA K.P. Shankar faced controversy when he was removed from his party position after allegedly attacking a city corporation engineer overseeing road-laying work in his constituency, though no criminal cases were officially filed. The broader DMK government faced corruption allegations during this period, with opposition parties submitting documentation alleging ₹5,600 crore in corruption by DMK ministers in July 2023. Statewide, electricity tariffs increased by up to 45% since 2021, adding to the cost of living for residents. Industrial development progressed with new SIDCO estates in nearby Thiruvallur creating 5,400 jobs, and the Naan Mudhalvan skill development scheme aimed at enhancing youth employability. As voters assess the last five years, they should consider both the state-level development schemes that reached the constituency and the persistent local civic issues—particularly water supply, traffic management, and infrastructure strain—that continue to affect daily life in this densely populated urban-industrial segment.