VIKRAVANDI

Vikravandi constituency experienced significant change during 2021-2026, marked by both development progress and political transition. Originally represented by DMK MLA N. Pugazhenthi who won in 2021 by 9,573 votes, the constituency faced an unexpected midterm shift when Pugazhenthi passed away on April 6, 2024, after a brief illness. A by-election followed, with DMK's Anniyur Siva retaining the seat for the party. During this period, the constituency benefited from major infrastructure investments including the four-laning of the Sethiyathope-Cholapuram section of NH-36 (50 km, ₹2,350 crore) completed in July 2025, and significant industrial development with the VinFast electric vehicle plant (US$2 billion) inaugurated in nearby Thoothuvalai in August 2025 and the Tata Motors plant (US$1.1 billion) in adjacent Ranipet in February 2026, creating thousands of jobs. On the social welfare front, the constituency likely benefited from statewide initiatives including over 7.15 lakh rural households receiving drinking water under Jal Jeevan Mission, and more than 3.30 lakh rural houses constructed under PMAY-Gramin between May 2021 and October 2024. The state's Kalaignar Kanavu Illam scheme initiated construction of 1 lakh concrete houses at ₹3,500 crore during 2024-25. However, the DMK government faced criticism for unfulfilled promises including incomplete fuel price reductions (petrol reduced by ₹3 instead of promised ₹5, diesel unchanged despite ₹4 reduction promise) and significant hikes in electricity tariffs (up to 45%), property taxes (up to 150%), and other essential services that increased living costs for residents. While specific controversies directly involving Vikravandi's leadership were not documented, the constituency shares broader Tamil Nadu challenges including persistent land disputes affecting Dalit communities, civic infrastructure issues like flooding and water shortages, and public dissatisfaction over stalled structural reforms such as the unfulfilled Higher Education policy and special corruption courts. The death of the sitting MLA midterm and subsequent political transition adds an element of uncertainty. As voters approach the 2026 elections, they should consider both the tangible infrastructure and industrial gains achieved, particularly in connectivity and employment generation, against the backdrop of rising costs, unfulfilled promises, and the need for continuity in addressing longstanding civic issues.