Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026: Farm distress and civic shortfalls loom large in Thuraiyur constituency

Tucked away in Tiruchi district, the Thuraiyur (SC) Assembly constituency may not command the glare of urban seats, yet it mirrors the deeper currents shaping Tamil Nadu’s political pulse. Predominantly agrarian and reserved for Scheduled Castes, the constituency stands at the confluence of rural livelihoods, welfare expectations, and shifting political aspirations, presenting a familiar mix of potential and persistent gaps.

Comprising the Thuraiyur Municipality and the town panchayats of Uppilliyapuram and Balakrishnampatti, the constituency is home to a sizeable population of tribals, who live in remote villages of Pachamalai.

The political terrain here has been defined by the contest between DMK and the AIADMK. In the 2021 Assembly election, DMK’s S. Stalinkumar retained the seat for a second consecutive term, defeating AIADMK’s T. Indragandhi by a margin exceeding 22,000 votes. The constituency has been allotted to the Congress in Secular Progressive Alliance this time, while the AIADMK has fielded E.Saroja.

Agriculture remains the backbone of the local economy, but farmers continue to grapple with the lack of supporting infrastructure. Tapioca cultivation is widespread across the Pachamalai hills, covering an estimated 3,500 hectares annually. However, the absence of a local sago processing unit compels farmers to transport their produce to Salem, inflating costs and shrinking profit margins.

“Tapioca farmers transport their produce all the way to Salem, increasing transportation costs. Establishing a processing facility in Thuraiyur would not only allow for value addition but also generate much-needed local employment,” G. Ramesh, District President, Tamil Nadu Vivasayigal Sangam, told The Hindu.

Paddy farmers face challenges due to the lack of permanent procurement centres, especially at Uppilliyapuram. Makeshift facilities are set up in villages during harvest seasons, but inadequate infrastructure often leaves harvested paddy exposed to rain, leading to damage and losses.

Road connectivity remains uneven across the constituency. While the Thuraiyur–Perambalur stretch has seen some improvement, several key routes remain narrow and inadequate. Roads connecting Thuraiyur to Attur via Thammampatti, Tiruchi, Musiri, and Namakkal require widening and upgradation to accommodate increasing traffic.

The Chinna Eri, located at the heart of the town, continues to highlight civic neglect. Residents point to the indiscriminate dumping of solid waste and the discharge of untreated sewage, owing to the absence of an underground drainage system, which has degraded water quality. Although multiple proposals have been announced over the years, including desilting, strengthening of bunds, and even developing boating facilities, they remain largely unimplemented.

“Neglected for decades, the waterbody has turned into a dumping ground for solid waste and sewage, emitting a persistent stench that makes daily travel unpleasant for commuters,” said V. Karthigai Selvan of Vasantha Nagar.

The Pachamalai hills, known for their scenic beauty and tribal settlements, remain an underdeveloped tourism destination. Poor road conditions and delays in infrastructure development, particularly on stretches under the jurisdiction of the Forest Department, have hindered access. The lack of basic amenities, including sanitation, has further limited tourist inflow.

Puliyancholai, a popular picnic spot at the foothills of the Kolli Hills, presents a similar picture. Visitors often encounter dysfunctional toilets, locked cloak rooms, and changing rooms. Though the site attracts a steady stream of tourists, the absence of proper maintenance and amenities has restricted its growth into a sustainable tourism destination.

Healthcare infrastructure, too, reflects the constituency’s developmental gaps. The government hospital in Thuraiyur caters to more than 68 villages, including the tribals. However, shortages of medical personnel and diagnostic facilities persist. The absence of a CT scan forces patients to travel over 45 km to Tiruchi, taking more than an hour, adding to the burden during emergencies.

“Thuraiyur faces numerous pressing issues that demand urgent attention. Despite repeated promises during every election to improve civic infrastructure and promote tourism, very little has materialised, and most proposed developments remain merely on paper,” said N. Saravanan, a civic activist.

As Thuraiyur moves towards another election, these persistent challenges are set to weigh heavily on voter sentiment.

Published – March 28, 2026 06:28 pm IST