VANDAVASI (Reserved)

The Vandavasi (SC) constituency in Tamil Nadu was represented by S. Ambethkumar of the DMK, who won the 2021 Assembly elections with 102,064 votes (55.41%), defeating PMK's S. Murali by a margin of 35,953 votes. The five-year term saw significant development investments across Tamil Nadu that impacted the constituency, including rural road projects under PMGSY worth Rs 5,650 crore, drinking water supply for over 7.15 lakh rural houses under Jal Jeevan Scheme (Rs 2,123 crore), and construction of over 3.30 lakh houses under PM Housing Scheme between May 2021 and October 2024. The MLA Constituency Development Scheme allocated Rs 702 crore annually for 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24, completing over 26,000 of 34,000 works taken up. Major industrial investments totaling Rs 9.74 lakh crore were attracted statewide from 2021-2023, reportedly creating 31 lakh jobs, including automotive plants in nearby areas. However, the period was marked by several challenges and controversies. The DMK government faced statewide allegations of corruption, particularly around a reported Rs 1,000 crore TASMAC scam, though the MLA was not directly implicated. The constituency continued to struggle with persistent civic issues including water shortages affecting the agrarian region, poor last-mile road connectivity, and limited bus frequency. A key broken promise was the delay in implementing the DMK's 2021 manifesto pledge of Rs 1,000 monthly assistance for women, which was delayed by 28 months and implemented with additional eligibility criteria. Residents also faced increased costs of living due to hikes in electricity tariffs, property taxes, water charges, and milk prices under the DMK administration. Farmer protests occurred over land acquisition for industrial projects and demands for better irrigation support. The political landscape saw significant flux with multiple AIADMK leaders including O. Panneerselvam defecting to the DMK between 2022 and 2026. The 2021 elections were conducted under COVID-19 safety protocols with 76.58% voter turnout in Vandavasi. As the constituency approaches the 2026 elections scheduled for April 23, voters should consider both the development initiatives undertaken—particularly in housing, water supply, and roads—against the backdrop of unfulfilled promises, rising living costs, and ongoing civic challenges like water shortage and connectivity issues that continue to affect daily life.