VIRALIMALAI

Viralimalai constituency in Pudukkottai district has experienced a turbulent five years under sitting MLA Dr. C. Vijayabaskar (AIADMK), who won his third consecutive term in 2021 with 52.93% votes (102,179 votes, defeating DMK by 23,598 votes). While the constituency benefited from statewide development initiatives including the Jal Jeevan Mission achieving 90% rural household tap connections, road upgrades under the 11,872 km Tamil Nadu road relaying project, and housing schemes like Kalaignar Kanavu Illam (targeting 1 lakh houses), Viralimalai's local development has been overshadowed by serious controversies. The MLA's tenure was marred by corruption allegations, with the DVAC filing charge sheets for accumulating disproportionate assets worth Rs 35.79 crore during his time as Health Minister (2013-2021). Major industrial investments in nearby areas, such as VinFast's Rs 16,000 crore plant in Trichy (August 2025) and Tata Motors' Rs 9,000 crore facility in Ranipet (February 2026), brought employment opportunities regionally, though Viralimalai itself continued to struggle with severe water scarcity affecting livestock and agriculture, particularly in Moovalur and Kasavanur areas. Despite receiving Rs 3 crore annually under the MLA Constituency Development Scheme (MLACDS), with over 34,000 works undertaken statewide and 26,000 completed, residents of Viralimalai have consistently protested against persistent issues. Interior villages still lack proper access roads, the long-pending demand for a government arts and science college remains unmet, and the once-thriving gem cutting industry has declined significantly. Water scarcity has been particularly acute, with groundwater tables depleting and affecting irrigation sources. Residents have also protested against illicit sand mining activities. While statewide initiatives in healthcare (expansion of PHCs and medical colleges), education (Mission Iyarkai environmental programs launched in 2022), and renewable energy (1 GW Velimalai pumped storage project approved, 1,500 MWh battery storage tender floated) have shown progress, the tangible local impact on Viralimalai's daily challenges has been limited. As voters prepare for the April 23, 2026 assembly elections (results on May 4, 2026), they face a crucial choice. Dr. Vijayabaskar seeks his fourth consecutive term despite ongoing legal troubles, facing DMK's K.K. Chellapandian and new entrants including Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) candidate P. Murugesan. Voters should weigh the MLA's grassroots connectivity and three-term experience against the serious corruption allegations, unfulfilled local demands, and persistent water scarcity issues. The constituency's 85.72% turnout in 2021 reflects high civic engagement, and this election will test whether voters prioritize continuity or demand accountability and fresh approaches to long-standing local problems.