Gobichettipalayam in focus after Sengottaiyan’s exit from AIADMK

With shifting political loyalties ahead of the Assembly election, Gobichettipalayam is among the closely watched constituencies in western Tamil Nadu, where a long-standing political equilibrium faces a reset.

The AIADMK’s decision to sack veteran leader K.A. Sengottaiyan has disrupted decades of political continuity, opening up a seat long considered safe. The contest is shaping up as a test of whether personal influence can outweigh party identity.

Predominantly agrarian, Gobichettipalayam is known for its picturesque fields and brimming canals. — landscapes that have featured in numerous Tamil films, earning it the sobriquet “Chinna Kodambakkam.” Its natural charm draws tourists, with the Kodiveri anicut remaining a major attraction. for visitors from across the State and beyond.

Despite periodic development works, inadequate tourist amenities remain a concern. particularly as the anicut sees year-round footfall. There is also a demand to upgrade facilities at the Gunderipallam reservoir to enhance its tourism potential.

Civic issues persist. The 8-km-long Keeripallam channel that runs through the town has turned into a sewage carrier, causing distress among residents. Long-pending demands to desilt the channel, provide concrete lining, and prevent the discharge of effluents remain unaddressed. highlighting gaps in basic infrastructure.

Agriculture continues to define the constituency’s socio-economic fabric. Paddy, sugarcane, turmeric, tobacco, plantain, and coconuts are cultivated extensively, sustaining livelihoods. However, farmers face mounting challenges. The absence of remunerative prices, particularly for turmeric, has led to a decline in cultivation, with many shifting to alternative crops. “Delays in settling dues of sugarcane farmers by mills remain a major grievance,” said N. Kuppusamy, a farmer. Inadequate cold storage facilities and weak market linkages further affect farm incomes, making these issues central to electoral discourse, he added.

Electors are also increasingly vocal about broader development. The absence of an outer ring road, delays in relocating the municipal garbage dump yard, and limited job opportunities for youth remain key concerns.

While handloom and small-scale industries provide livelihoods in semi-urban pockets, they are insufficient to absorb the growing workforce. Residents stress the need to attract new industries to ensure sustained economic growth and reduce outward migration.

The constituency has long been a stronghold of the AIADMK, which has been dominant here since 1977. This dominance has been anchored by influential local leadership and consolidated community support, particularly among the Kongu Vellalar Gounder population.

A central figure in its political landscape has been former Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan, who represented the seat eight times between 1980 and 2021, except in 1996, when he lost to the DMK’s G.P. Venkidu. He did not contest in 2011. He secured an average vote share of 53.33% across his eight victories.

His recent shift to the TVK, however, has altered familiar equations. While some electors argue that his past victories were tied to the AIADMK’s legacy, others point to his personal connect, noting his continued engagement with constituents.

“Though many say the constituency is synonymous with him, we need development and jobs for youth,” said V. Mythili, reflecting a sentiment among sections of voters that governance outcomes matter more than individual legacy.

The DMK, historically on the back foot here, has sought to expand its base by focusing on governance and welfare delivery.in the past five years. The party is seeking to tap into changing voter expectations, particularly among younger sections, while capitalising on local issues.

Electoral outcomes are shaped by a mix of caste dynamics, candidate credibility, and development concerns, with consistently high voter turnout indicating strong political engagement. As the constituency heads into another electoral cycle, the contest is expected to revolve around continuity versus change.

There are also lingering aspirations tied to administrative reorganisation. When new districts were carved out during the previous AIADMK regime, many residents hoped that Gobichettipalayam would be made a separate district, an expectation that remains unfulfilled.

The contest is expected to be keen, with the DMK fielding its North District Secretary N. Nallasivam, the AIADMK introducing V.B. Prabhu, and NTK’s M.K. Seethalakshmi also in the fray. With multiple factors at play, from political realignment to enduring developmental concerns, the contest is expected to be closely fought, making Gobichettipalayam a key constituency to watch in the Kongu belt.

Published – April 02, 2026 12:05 am IST