Assembly elections 2026: Unmet expectations cast a shadow over Perambalur constituency

Across the drought-prone Perambalur (SC) Assembly constituency, the electoral conversation is firmly anchored in livelihood concerns. From fluctuating farm incomes and water scarcity to long-pending infrastructure projects, voters here are weighing their choices against a backdrop of unmet expectations.

In the 2021 Assembly election, M. Prabhakaran of DMK defeated R. Tamilselvan of AIADMK by a margin of over 31,000 votes. This time, the AIADMK has renominated Mr. Tamilselvan, who had earlier won from the constituency in 2011 and 2016, signalling a renewed push to reclaim the seat. The DMK has fielded S.D. Jayalakshmi, while the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has announced K. Sivakumar, its district secretary, as its candidate.

Heaps of freshly harvested shallots are laid out for sun‑drying on farmland in Elambalur village, Perambalur district.
| Photo Credit:
R. Vengadesh

Petrified wood specimens on display at the National Fossil Wood Park in Sathanur offer evidence of ancient coastal forests from the Cretaceous period.
| Photo Credit:
R. Vengadesh

Farming remains the mainstay of the local economy, with crops such as maize, shallots, cotton paddy and sugarcane dominating cultivation. Perambalur is among Tamil Nadu’s leading maize-producing regions, with around 76,000 hectares under cultivation.

Farmers harvest maize in a field at Thevaiyur village in Perambalur district.
| Photo Credit:
R. Vengadesh

Farmers say they are being forced to sell maize at prices far below the government-fixed Minimum Support Price (MSP). While the MSP stands at ₹2,400 per quintal, the current market rate hovers around ₹1,900, significantly impacting farm incomes.

“Yield is not good this season, and prices have also dropped sharply. Earlier, we used to get around 28 sacks from two acres; now it is only about 16. I am selling a sack for ₹1,850, which was around ₹2,600 earlier,” said V. Sekar, a maize farmer from Ranjankudi.

He points out that most of the earnings are spent on labour and pesticides, leaving little profit. Farmers have urged the State government to regulate traders and ensure procurement at MSP to prevent exploitation.

A similar trend is visible in shallot cultivation. Raised on nearly 5,000 hectares in the district, a surplus harvest this season has led to a steep fall in prices, from about ₹40 per kg last year to nearly ₹13 per kg now. M. Kamaraj, a farmer from Elambalur, said that while yields have improved, the price crash has offset any gains, leaving farmers in distress.

Drinking water scarcity remains another persistent concern. In several villages, drinking water shortages during peak summer months have intensified calls for improved water management and irrigation support. A new combined drinking water supply scheme is being executed in the municipal limits, which is aimed at addressing the scarcity.

Beyond agriculture, gaps in rural infrastructure continue to trouble residents. Despite dairy farming being a prominent livelihood across the villages, and the presence of a dairy product manufacturing unit at Padalur, the lack of a veterinary hospital remains a significant concern. Livestock requiring advanced treatment are often taken as far as Salem, adding to costs and delays in timely care.

More than a decade has passed since the State government first announced plans to establish a medical college in the district, yet the proposal has not materialised. In 2010, the then Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi had announced that a government medical college would be set up in Perambalur. However, the long-standing demand continues to be a distant dream for residents.

The long-pending demand for a railway link in Perambalur remains unfulfilled. Residents say that rail connectivity would not only ease the transport of agricultural produce but also accelerate overall development in the region.

The historic, 17th-century Fort, located in the village of Ranjankudi near Mangalamedu, is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Despite its historical importance, the fort continues to suffer from neglect, with inadequate upkeep, a lack of basic visitor amenities, and portions of the structure remaining in a damaged condition.

As Perambalur approaches another electoral cycle, the interplay between governance, grassroots issues, and voter expectations is set to define the political landscape. The constituency’s history suggests that electoral outcomes remain open, contingent on how effectively pressing local concerns are addressed.

“We have elected candidates from outside the district who made promises for our development, but little has changed. We hope this year will bring better outcomes for us,” N. Chelladurai, ditrict president, Tamil Nadu Vivasayigal Sangam, told The Hindu.

Published – April 01, 2026 07:11 pm IST