VRIDHACHALAM

Vridhachalam constituency in Tamil Nadu has witnessed a challenging five-year period under MLA R. Radhakrishnan of the Indian National Congress, who won the 2021 election by a razor-thin margin of just 862 votes (39.17% vote share). While the broader Tamil Nadu state saw significant development during 2021-2026—including infrastructure investments worth thousands of crores, rural housing schemes constructing over 3.30 lakh houses, and industrial investments of ₹9.74 lakh crore creating an estimated 31 lakh jobs statewide—specific development in Vridhachalam itself appears limited. The constituency is known for its ceramic industry with an exclusive industrial estate, a polytechnic college for ceramic technology, and a unique research center for cashew and byproducts. However, residents have faced persistent civic issues throughout this period, including water scarcity, flooding due to inadequate drainage, and poor waste management leading to unhygienic conditions. Several key election promises remain unfulfilled as of 2026, including the establishment of an agricultural engineering college, upgrading Vridhachalam government hospital to a medical college hospital, creation of a separate district, and desilting of the Manimuthu river to improve groundwater levels. Public protests have erupted over these unfulfilled promises and lack of basic amenities. As the constituency heads toward the April-May 2026 elections, voters face a competitive three-way contest among INC, PMK, and DMDK (now allied with DMK), with the seat historically being one of Tamil Nadu's most closely contested.