VILLUPURAM

Villupuram constituency in Tamil Nadu has seen substantial infrastructure development from 2021 to 2026 under DMK MLA Lakshmanan R, who won the seat in 2021 with a margin of 14,868 votes against AIADMK's C.V. Shanmugam. Major development initiatives include the four-laning of NH-36 (Sethiyathope–Cholapuram section) at a cost of over ₹2,350 crore and the completion of NH-138 six-laning worth ₹200 crore in 2025. The constituency benefited from the Chief Minister's Rural Road Development Programme with ₹8,000 crore sanctioned for 20,000 km of rural roads statewide in 2024, of which 12,572 km were completed. Water supply improved with 90% coverage under Jal Jeevan Mission providing tap connections to 1.12 crore rural households, though ₹3,112 crore in central funds remained pending as of March 2026. A 60 MLD desalination plant near Koonimedu was implemented to address water demand. Healthcare facilities at Government Villupuram Medical College were strengthened with 650 teaching beds and specialty departments, while housing schemes delivered over 3.30 lakh houses under PMAY between May 2021 and October 2024. The Kalaignarin Kanavu Illam Scheme allocated ₹7,000 crore for constructing two lakh houses, with 72,081 completed by 2024. However, the constituency faced challenges common to Tamil Nadu under DMK governance. Broader corruption allegations emerged against the DMK government, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah accusing party leaders of corruption in 2024, though no specific charges were documented against MLA Lakshmanan R. Public grievances included significant hikes in electricity tariffs, property taxes, and water charges, raising the cost of living. The DMK's flagship 2021 election promise of ₹1,000 monthly financial assistance to all women was delayed by 28 months and implemented with restrictive eligibility criteria, drawing criticism. Land disputes involving Dalit communities in villages like V. Sathanur highlighted ongoing social justice issues. Civic challenges such as water scarcity, sanitation gaps (with pockets still not achieving Open Defecation-Free status), and infrastructure maintenance remained concerns. Industrial development showed promise with Dabur India investing ₹135 crore in Tindivanam Industrial Corridor for its first South India factory, with plans to scale up to ₹400 crore over five years. Employment initiatives like the Naan Mudhalvan skill development scheme and MGNREGA provided livelihood opportunities. The education sector received ₹46,767 crore statewide allocation in 2025-26, focusing on quality improvement and addressing COVID-19 learning losses. As voters prepare for the 2026 elections, they should consider the tangible infrastructure improvements and healthcare expansion against the backdrop of rising living costs, delayed welfare promises, persistent civic issues, and the broader governance questions facing the state government. The full impact of ongoing projects like the NH-36 corridor (expected completion 2026) and rural road schemes will be crucial for the constituency's future connectivity and economic growth.