An agricultural belt plagued by unfair trade practices at DPCs, lack of storage facilities

India’s complex democratic system, which held its first general election 75 years ago, has gradually matured and evolved over the past decades while striving to maintain its federal balance. Meanwhile, there was a small town in Tamil Nadu that had its own electoral system, bearing similarities to the present-day democracy, dating back to the 10^th century. The Kudavolai system in Uthiramerur, despite its flaws, seems to be perhaps one of the first experiments to establish local governance.

This constituency, with an electorate of 2.43 lakh, comprises predominantly farmers, agricultural workers and labourers. Early on, the constituency, which stood as a stronghold of AIADMK during the first three terms, then saw a constant shift in power between DMK and AIADMK until 2016. Uthiramerur has been a DMK bastion for the past two Assembly elections. The constituency covers a vast area including Palayaseevaram, Sathananchery, Thirumukkudal, Salavakkam, Arumbuliyur, Marudham, Thirupulivanam, Melpakkam and Athiyur.