UTHANGARAI (Reserved)

Uthangarai (SC), a Scheduled Caste reserved constituency in Krishnagiri district, has been represented by T. M. Tamilselvam of AIADMK since winning the 2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections with 99,675 votes (52.96% vote share), defeating INC's S. Arumugam by 28,387 votes. During 2021-2026, the constituency benefited from several state-wide development initiatives including 89 rural roads spanning 370 km under PMGSY for improved connectivity, Mission Iyarkai environmental education program in government schools launched in 2022, and targeted housing schemes through Tamil Nadu Adi Dravidar Housing and Development Corporation (TAHDCO) specifically for SC/ST communities. The period also saw major industrial investments statewide, with Tamil Nadu attracting ₹9.74 lakh crore and creating an estimated 31 lakh jobs (2021-2023), alongside skill development programs like Naan Mudhalvan. However, the constituency faced significant challenges including water scarcity linked to the ongoing Cauvery river dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in 2023, leading to farmer protests demanding 24,000 cusecs of water release. Public grievances included poor road conditions with delayed repairs, inadequate waste management and sanitation facilities, and understaffed primary health centers lacking essential medicines. Residents protested against steep price hikes implemented by the state government including TNEB electricity tariff increases (up to 45%), property tax hikes (up to 150%), and milk price increases (25%). State-level corruption scandals in 2025-2026, including the cash-for-jobs scam in the Municipal Administration department and TASMAC irregularities, affected public perception of governance. While specific project details for Uthangarai are limited in available records, the constituency appears to have received standard state-wide welfare schemes rather than major constituency-specific infrastructure projects. Complaints about delayed development projects, poor school infrastructure lacking basic amenities, and inadequate support for SC communities despite the reserved status remain unresolved. With the 2026 elections approaching, voters face a competitive contest between incumbent T. M. Tamilselvam (AIADMK), Kuppusamy (INC), Megala (NTK), and B. Kumaravel (TVK). Voters should consider both the state-wide development initiatives that benefited the constituency and the persistent local civic issues, unfulfilled infrastructure promises, and governance controversies that have marked this five-year period.