Assembly elections 2026: Unmet expectations cast a shadow over Perambalur constituency

Unmet expectations in Perambalur highlight critical livelihood issues, from agriculture to infrastructure, shaping the upcoming electoral landscape.

Across the drought-prone Perambalur (SC) Assembly constituency, the electoral conversation is firmly anchored in livelihood concerns. From fluctuating farm incomes and water scarcity to long-pending infrastructure projects, voters here are weighing their choices against a backdrop of unmet expectations.

In the 2021 Assembly election, M. Prabhakaran of DMK defeated R. Tamilselvan of AIADMK by a margin of over 31,000 votes. This time, the AIADMK has renominated Mr. Tamilselvan, who had earlier won from the constituency in 2011 and 2016, signalling a renewed push to reclaim the seat. The DMK has fielded S.D. Jayalakshmi, while the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has announced K. Sivakumar, its district secretary, as its candidate.

Petrified wood specimens on display at the National Fossil Wood Park in Sathanur offer evidence of ancient coastal forests from the Cretaceous period. | Photo Credit: R. Vengadesh

Farming remains the mainstay of the local economy, with crops such as maize, shallots, cotton paddy and sugarcane dominating cultivation. Perambalur is among Tamil Nadu’s leading maize-producing regions, with around 76,000 hectares under cultivation.

Farmers harvest maize in a field at Thevaiyur village in Perambalur district. | Photo Credit: R. Vengadesh

Farmers say they are being forced to sell maize at prices far below the government-fixed Minimum Support Price (MSP). While the MSP stands at ₹2,400 per quintal, the current market rate hovers around ₹1,900, significantly impacting farm incomes.