VELACHERY

Velachery constituency in Tamil Nadu has experienced significant infrastructure development between 2021 and 2026, alongside persistent civic challenges. The sitting MLA J.M.H. Aassan Maulaana of the Indian National Congress won the 2021 assembly elections by a margin of 4,352 votes against the AIADMK candidate. Major infrastructure achievements include the completion of the MRTS extension from Velachery to St. Thomas Mount in 2026 after 18 years of delays (costing ₹1,924 crore), construction of a 3 km flyover between Velachery Bypass Road and Gurunanak College Junction (₹310 crore), and repair of over 100 interior roads (₹4.60 crore). Statewide schemes like the Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam healthcare initiative (launched August 2021), Chief Minister Breakfast Scheme for students, and the Kalaignar Kanavu Illam housing program (₹3,500 crore for one lakh houses across Tamil Nadu) benefited residents. However, Velachery continues to face severe civic challenges that have frustrated residents. Chronic flooding remains the most pressing issue, with mitigation measures remaining incomplete despite MLA promises. Poor maintenance of Velachery Lake, encroachments blocking drainage, and sewage inflow worsen the situation. Sewage overflow issues persist due to delays in completing vital pipeline projects. The relocation of a 50-bed government hospital has left residents without local healthcare access. Residents have protested through black flag demonstrations against the Greater Chennai Corporation's failure to remove encroachments near drainage culverts. Eviction controversies have emerged, with residents of Sasinagar, Rajalakshmi Nagar, Jaganathapuram, and Gandhinagar questioning why they face removal while larger developments like Phoenix Market City remain untouched. Controversies have also marked this period, including cash-for-jobs scam allegations in the Municipal Administration and Water Supply department, implicating Minister K.N. Nehru based on evidence submitted by the Enforcement Directorate. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the constituency, leading to lockdowns and public health challenges. Traffic congestion remains unresolved, with promised two-way corridors on Velachery Bypass and Taramani-Velachery flyovers remaining one-way. A bus terminus and depot planned since 2010 on 6.25 acres remains pending, as does a direct road connection to Velachery Bypass Road pending for over 35 years. Voters should consider both the major infrastructure investments completed and the unfulfilled promises on flood mitigation, healthcare access, and basic civic amenities when evaluating the constituency's governance over these five years.