Two decades of DMK legislator, yet basic needs unmet in Tiruppattur

The Tirupattur constituency in Sivaganga district, which has had a DMK legislator since 2006 – for four consecutive terms – has not seen much progress under the current leadership.  

K.R. Periyakaruppan, incumbent MLA and Minister of Cooperation in the State, though has received a considerable support from the party and from the voters – partly due to his community background – has not received much of an appreciation for his performance in addressing local infrastructure issues and the persistent industrial backwardness of the constituency. 

Saravanan, a local auto driver, noted that because none of the major drinking water schemes implemented in other regions have reached the constituency, residents are forced to purchase water from private vendors at the rate of ₹25 per pot. 

“Despite the public’s evident frustration with an MLA who has not delivered any tangible benefits to the area, his personable nature and rapport with the locals ensure his victory in every election,” he noted. 

Peer Mohammad, another local resident, expressed his concern that the constituency’s reliance on neighbouring districts and constituencies for everything from quality education to basic medical care is only intensifying. 

Despite comprising five unions – Tirupattur, Singampunari, S. Pudur, Sakkottai and Kallal – five town panchayats –Tirupattur, Singampunari, Nerkuppai, Pallathur and Kanadukathan – and 2,76,156 voters – 1,35,113 men, 1,41,039 women and four others – the region remains an underdeveloped and economically isolated area.  

Lack of direct bus services

“Even regarding basic facilities like public transportation, we are entirely dependent on buses passing through from Pudukkottai, Karaikudi, and Devakottai to reach Madurai and return. There are still no direct services from the Tirupattur bus stand to these major hubs. Consequently, traveling after 9:00 PM remains an exhausting ordeal even today,” Mr. Mohammad claimed. 

For education too, except for one government-aided college, they did not have any other educational institutions.  

He added that the region surrounded by rich tourist attractions like Pillayarpatti, Kundrakudi, Pranmalai, Singampunari, Kottampatti, Palani and Dindigul, could be further developed in this aspect if train tracks along with a station could be provided to the town.  

“The 70-year-old demand of the residents if fulfilled can be a better connecting point for tourists visiting the famous tourist attractions nearby. Also, it will be helpful for the farmers to easily transport their produce to the nearby famous Oddanchatiram market,” he noted.  

In agricultural hubs like Singampunari and S. Pudur, farmers remain heavily dependent on the Oddanchatiram market to sell their fruits and vegetables. 

Local growers argued that a cold storage facility is long overdue. Gnanasekaran, a local farmer, explained, “Without a way to preserve our harvest, we are forced to accept whatever price traders dictate for our perishable goods. A cold storage unit would enable us to hold our stock and wait for a fair market price.” 

A local graduate working at a tea shop expressed his frustration at being forced to stay in the town to care for his ailing parents. “The lack of local jobs or industrial units has left me with no choice but to take up menial labour to survive.” 

This was another major grievance among the younger electorate. Despite the Minister’s long tenure, the absence of a SIPCOT industrial park or any meaningful private investment has forced qualified graduates into the unorganised sector. 

The resentment carried by the voters in Tiruppattur has become a significant hurdle for Mr. Periyakaruppan as he is to officially begin his campaign for the Assembly elections.  

Having been re-nominated by the DMK just days ago, it is to be seen whether the veteran Minister would find himself at a crossroads where his long-standing political dominance would be tested by a modernised and more demanding electorate. 

Published – March 31, 2026 10:28 pm IST