VEPPANAHALLI

Veppanahalli constituency in Krishnagiri district witnessed close political competition and moderate development between 2021 and 2026. K. P. Munusamy of AIADMK won the 2021 assembly elections by a narrow margin of 3,054 votes (45.87% vote share) against DMK's P. Murugan (44.38%). The constituency saw infrastructure investments including ₹702 crore allocated under the Member of Legislative Assembly Constituency Development Scheme (MLACDS) for healthcare and other projects, along with rural road construction under PMGSY that improved connectivity to healthcare and education facilities. Two irrigation schemes—Ennekolputhur-Badethalavu and Aliyalam canal—were proposed to harvest runoff from River Thenpennai, benefiting the agrarian constituency. The state government also signed MoUs worth ₹32,553 crore for industrial development in southern districts including Krishnagiri, focusing on semiconductors, electric vehicles, and green hydrogen. However, the period was marked by significant controversies and governance challenges. The DMK state government faced corruption allegations from opposition parties, with claims of 11 ministers having pending corruption cases. Land acquisition protests, particularly the 125-day SIPCOT agitation in nearby Tiruvannamalai where seven protesters were detained under the Goondas Act, highlighted tensions over industrial expansion. AIADMK's promise to issue pattas to squatters on temple lands sparked outrage from Hindu groups. Residents also faced increased financial burdens with electricity tariff hikes up to 45%, property tax increases up to 150%, and water charge hikes of 5-10%. The DMK government was criticized for delaying implementation of the ₹1,000 monthly assistance scheme for women by 28 months. The constituency experienced employment initiatives through MGNREGS and state schemes, while Krishnagiri became part of the Smart Cities Mission focusing on urban development. Looking ahead to the April 23, 2026 elections, Veppanahalli faces another close contest between AIADMK's K. P. Munusamy and DMK's P. S. Srinivasan, with new entrants like Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) potentially influencing outcomes. Voters should consider both the infrastructure development achieved and the governance controversies, unfulfilled welfare promises, and increased cost of living when making their decision. The geographically fragmented nature of the constituency and its agrarian character make irrigation projects and farmer welfare critical issues.