AIADMK stronghold Avinashi (R) to face test in new political equations

Civic issues and the grievances of farmers are at the centre of discussions as Avinashi (Reserved) constituency faces the Assembly election. 

The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), which has won from the constituency without a break since 2001, has given the seat to its major ally BJP this time. The DMK, which had given the seat to its ally Aathi Thamizhar Peravai in 2021, has fielded a young doctor, V. Kokila Mani, in its effort to break the pattern in the AIADMK stronghold. DMK’s last victory from the constituency was in 1996.

The BJP is yet to announce its candidate (as of March 31 evening). New entrant Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s S. Kamali and Naam Tamilar Katchi’s V. Menaka are the other major contestants.

Surrounded by local bodies with populations primarily depending on income from agriculture and allied activities, water is a major concern of people. One of the major demands from farmers is the extension of the Athikadavu-Avinashi Irrigation, Ground Water Recharge and Drinking Water Supply Scheme, which was inaugurated in 2024.

“The scheme has improved groundwater recharging and eventually boosted farming activities. Our demand is to extend the project to other waterbodies that were left out. There should be a proper grievances redress mechanism for farmers, and elected bodies of farmers should be involved in the operation of the project,” said R. Sathish Kumar, State legal wing secretary of Tamilaga Vivasayigal Pathukappu Sangam.

The Athikadavu – Avinashi project is designed to fill 32 tanks maintained by the Water Resources Department, 42 tanks in panchayat unions and 971 village ponds, with a cumulative ayacut of about 24,500 acres in Coimbatore, Tiruppur and Erode districts.

Terming the Athikadavu – Avinashi a half-successful project, M. Velusamy, coordinator of the Athikadavu-Avinashi Project Agitation Committee, wanted efforts to be expedited to implement the long-pending Pandiyar/Punnampuzha – Moyar scheme. According to him, diverting water from Pandiyar/Punnampuzha to Moyar would strengthen Athikadavu-Avinashi project, as it is designed to tap only surplus water from the downstream of Kalingarayan Anicut of River Bhavani for 70 days a year.

Pandiyar originates at Devala in The Nilgiris and passes through Gudalur as Punnampuzha, before entering Kerala as Chaliyar and emptying into the Arabian Sea. “If the water going to sea is diverted to Moyar that flows into Bhavanisagar reservoir, the Athikadavu – Avinashi project will have water throughout the year,” he said.

Coconut, banana, groundnut, sugarcane, maize and vegetables are the major crops cultivated in the constituency. Farmers have been alleging that they are not getting fair prices for their produce due to unreasonable involvement of middlemen. Alleged poor quality of seeds supplied to farmers and issues in crop insurance coverage are among the other grievances of farmers.  

Locals and social workers allege that the Avinashi Municipality, which was upgraded from a Town Panchayat in 2025, is grappling with various issues including shortage of staff. They feel that the civic body should follow better practices in the collection and disposal of solid waste.

“The Municipality should ensure that sewage is not let into water bodies and solid waste are not burnt,” said K. Sathishkumar, founder of Kalam Arakattalai.

With the increase in population in Avinashi and depleting water levels in Bhavani in the summer, several parts of the town are facing erratic supply of drinking water. A restaurant owner said there has been a shortage in the supply with the onset of the summer.

A resident of Palangarai village panchayat said residents have been suffering from poor supply of drinking water and delayed collection of waste by the local body. Residents are also demanding the panchayat to be merged with Avinashi Municipality, he said. 

Upgradation of the Government Hospital at Avinashi and improvement of facilities at government schools are among other demands of people.