T.N. Assembly election 2026: Slow progress of infrastructure work, unemployment frustrate voters of Mayiladuthurai constituency

“Aayiram aanalum Mayuram aagathu” — the oft-quoted phrase reflects the cultural pride of Mayiladuthurai, known for its temples, hospitality and fertile lands. But residents say the constituency, despite becoming a district headquarters in 2020, continues to face slow infrastructure development, limited industrial growth, and gaps in public services, prompting migration of youth and concerns over civic amenities.

K. Murugan, secretary of the Tamil Nadu Sugarcane Farmers’ Association, said the closure of the Nadippisai Pulavar K.R. Ramaswamy Co-operative Sugar Mills (NPKR) remained a key issue in the district. Established in 1986 and expanded to a crushing capacity of 3,700 tonnes in 1992, the mill employed about 550 workers daily and supported over 24,000 sugarcane farmers from Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, and Thanjavur. Its closure in 2017 due to neglect reduced sugarcane cultivation and adversely affected the local economy, he said.