Bifurcation of Dindigul is becoming an election plank

Bifurcation of Dindigul district is a key election issue, promising focused development and administrative improvements.

Bifurcation of Dindigul district is set to become an intense campaign topic in this Assembly election. The bugle call was sounded in February this year with BJP leader K. Annamalai-led protests calling for the Tamil Nadu government to declare Palani as a separate district. R. Sakkarapani, senior DMK Minister and Oddanchatram MLA also has promised the creation of ‘Palani district’. 

The demand for carving out Palani from Dindigul has pushed the focus on the district. It was on September 15, 1985, that Dindigul district (comprising Dindigul, Palani, and Kodaikanal taluks) was officially bifurcated from the erstwhile Madurai district. 

Anantha Sait, secretary, Dindigul Chamber of Commerce, says the bifurcation of Dindigul will surely affect the fiscal and budgetary management in the district. For long, Dindigul has not witnessed development in the form of infrastructure as there has been an overwhelming dependence on tourists and tourism-based economy in Kodaikanal and revenue generated from the temple-economy with the focus on Palani.

“Dindigul was once known for its lock and leather industries. Nothing has been done to promote this. Leather goods are high-growth export potential products yet no separate industrial park has been set up for this by adopting the latest technology that is able to reduce 98% of pollutants coming out from tanneries,” he notes. 

A known mango belt, Natham has no modern packaging facilities, or a specialised export hub for the produce. Similarly, there is only a private perfumery in Nilakottai and not much is being done to tap the potential of jasmine cultivation, he adds.

K. Balabharathi, CPI(M) leader and three times MLA from Dindigul, says their party is for bifurcation of Dindigul district. If Palani becomes a separate district, then additional focus can be given to develop infrastructure that will enhance the facilities being given to devotees coming to visit the Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple and also strengthen and upgrade sustainable tourism in Kodaikanal.