Tamil Nadu Assembly election 2026: Touted as cement hub, but for Ariyalur constituency voters the future appears grey

Ariyalur has a rich historical legacy, primarily associated with the Chola dynasty. Sri Brihadeeswara Temple at Gangaikonda Chozhapuram, a UNESCO world heritage site, constructed about 1,000 years ago, still stands majestically as a testimony to the legacy.

Known for its vast limestone deposits, it has been a cement hub of the State for about 50 years, thanks to eight cement factories. It also has two sugar mills.

The first cement factory of Ariyalur came into being in 1976. When Tamil Nadu Cement Corporation began building the plant, it was considered a major boost to industrialisation in the region. It is true that several private giants, including Chettinad Cement and UltraTech, established their plants in Ariyalur. But it remains one of the most backward areas in the State.

Residents blame successive governments for failing to invest adequately and prioritise the district. They are of the view that if the constituency had produced powerful leaders, the profile of the district would have changed to a great extent.

Transport Minister S.S. Sivasankar (DMK), who was elected to the State Assembly from Kunnam constituency in 2021, Thamarai S. Rajendran (AIADMK), former Chief Whip, Thol. Thirumavalavan, MP and founder of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi are among the notable leaders from Ariyalur district.

The Ariyalur constituency extends from Ariyalur to Tirumanur. Most parts of Ariyalur and Tirumanur panchayat unions are part of the constituency. Besides cement factories, people depend upon agriculture for their livelihood. Agriculture is centered on rain-fed farming and horticulture, with 70% of the people dependent on it. Key crops include cashew, sugarcane, maize, cotton and paddy.

There is strong discontent among a section of residents that no cement factory including Tamil Nadu Cement Corporation, prefer to recruit workers on a permanent basis. Instead, workers are hired on low-wage contracts. Similarly, locals allege that private companies extract the region’s natural resources but do not employ local youth. There are complaints that several quarries are operating illegally, with poor enforcement regulations. 

Air and water pollution caused by the cement plants is seen as a major issue in the constituency. Many complain that cement dust causes respiratory tract irritation, chronic cough, phlegm, wheezing, asthma and others. Dust particles cause conjunctivitis, eye irritation, corneal burns and throat inflammation.

The constituency is dominated by Vanniyars. They are followed by Udaiyars, Moopanars and Scheduled Caste people. The winning equation has swung between the DMK and the AIADMK since 1977. While the DMK romped home thrice in 1977, 1980 and 1989, the AIADMK became victorious in 2001, 2011 and 2016 elections. The candidates fielded by the Congress and the Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC) notched up victories in 2006 and 1996.

In 2021, K. Chinnappa (DMK) secured 1,04,741 votes and defeated Thamarai S. Rajendran (AIADMK) by a margin of 3,234 votes. The Naam Tamilar Katchi has nominated Keezhakangiyanur Pugalendhi. It is not clear whether the DMK will field its candidate or allot the seat to its allies.

The constituency, which alternates between DMK and AIADMK, faces equal challenges in a landscape dominated by caste arithmetic and industrialisation, agriculture and a high volume of rural voters. Widespread unemployment, inadequate basic amenities, environmental and livelihood issues and arithmetic calculation of DMK and AIADMK led alliances are likely to shape the outcome of 2026 election.