TIRUVANNAMALAI

Tiruvannamalai constituency has witnessed significant infrastructure development between 2021-2026 under sitting MLA E V Velu (DMK), who has represented the area since 2011 and won the 2021 election with 66.72% of votes (137,876 votes), defeating BJP's candidate by 94,673 votes. Major projects include the announcement of a 140-142 km Chennai-Tiruvannamalai Expressway in February 2026, three new bypass roads (₹90 crore, 8.8 km) to ease traffic congestion, and a ₹55.49 crore water pipeline from Sathanur Dam launched in March 2024. Healthcare infrastructure improved with new facilities in Cheyyar (ophthalmology center, ₹60 lakh), Vandavasi (trauma center, ₹5 crore), and Padavedu (primary healthcare center, ₹1.2 crore) in 2024. The TIDEL Neo Park IT hub has attracted tech professionals, boosting local economy and real estate. However, persistent civic issues mar the development narrative. Residents continue to face poor solid waste management with garbage accumulation near the temple, frequent garbage burning causing air pollution, and inadequate basic infrastructure in the temple precinct. Water scarcity remains a concern despite pipeline projects. In 2025-2026, BJP leader K. Annamalai accused DMK ministers including E V Velu of corruption in a cash-for-jobs scam involving the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department, with investigations ongoing. Land disputes around the hill have led to multiple cases pending before the Madras High Court due to rapid urban expansion. As the 2026 elections approach, Tiruvannamalai remains a DMK stronghold, though BJP has increased its presence from 1,935 votes in 2016 to over 43,000 in 2021. Velu faces competition from BJP's Elumalai C, NTK's Vignesh S, and TVK's Arul Arumugam, with AIADMK not fielding a direct candidate. Voters should weigh the substantial infrastructure investments and healthcare improvements against unresolved civic issues, corruption allegations, and the long-standing problems of waste management and water scarcity that have plagued this temple town for years.