Development, welfare, and civic problems shape the poll mood in Thiru. Vi. Ka. Nagar

Thiru. Vi. Ka. Nagar's electoral mood reflects ongoing struggles for amenities, development challenges, and emerging political dynamics as elections approach.

Marked by its crowded roads, densely populated areas, and ongoing civic upgrades, Thiru. Vi. Ka. Nagar constituency reflects the changing face of north Chennai, where development aspirations and civic concerns continue to shape the political mood.

This reserved constituency, carved out of the Perambur constituency, presents a mix of high-rise buildings along with lower middle-class neighbourhoods. Named after Tamil scholar Thiru V. Kalyanasundaram, it comprises areas such as Pattalam, Otteri, Jamalia, Pulianthope, and parts of Perambur and Ayanavaram.

Interestingly, Thiru. Vi. Ka. Nagar, the locality that lends its name to the constituency is part of the neighbouring star constituency — Kolathur. Formed after the 2008 delimitation, the constituency has witnessed three Assembly elections so far with Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam having an edge. Sitting MLA P. Sivakumar alias Thayagam Kavi represented the constituency for two consecutive times.

This time, Thiru. Vi. Ka. Nagar is preparing for an interesting contest, with former Egmore MLA K.S. Ravichandran and Porkodi Armstrong, wife of former Bahujan Samaj Party leader Armstrong in the field. TVK’s M.R. Pallavi and NTK’s Jagadesh Chander are also in the fray. Chennai mayor R. Priya represents a ward from this constituency, adding to its political significance.

Besides a remarkable real estate growth and high-rise buildings that have changed the landscape on arterial stretches like Cooks Road and Stephenson Road, Thiru. Vi. Ka. Nagar has witnessed many improvements. More football grounds and community halls have been built across the constituency, and schools and health centres have been renovated. Jamalia now has Annal Ambedkar wedding hall upgraded under the Vadachennai Valarchi Thittam.

But residents say their struggle for basic amenities in some areas persists. Piped water supply is yet to reach areas such as V.O.C. Nagar and Kannigapuram. Kiran Subbaiah of Patel Road said though roads are cleaner, the area continues to grapple with irregular water supply.