Tamil Nadu Assembly election 2026: Touted as cement hub, but for Ariyalur constituency voters the future appears grey

Ariyalur has a rich historical heritage primarily associated with the Chola dynasty. Built nearly 1000 years ago, the Sri Brihadeeswara Temple at Gangaikonda Chozhapuram, a UNESCO world heritage site, still stands majestically as a testament to the heritage.

Known for its extensive limestone deposits, this region has been the cement center of the State for nearly 50 years, thanks to its eight cement factories. There are also two sugar factories.

Ariyalur’s first cement factory was established in 1976. When the Tamil Nadu Cement Corporation started building the plant, it was considered a major contribution to industrialization in the region. It is true that many private giants, including Chettinad Cement and UltraTech, have set up facilities in Ariyalur. However, it remains one of the most backward regions in the state.

Residents accuse successive governments of not investing enough in and prioritizing the region. They are of the opinion that if strong leaders had emerged from the constituency, the profile of the district would have changed significantly.

Transport Minister SS Sivasankar (DMK), who was elected to the State Assembly from Kunnam constituency in 2021, former Whip Chief Thamarai S. Rajendran (AIADMK), Thol. Thirumavalavan, MP and founder of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, is among the important leaders of Ariyalur district.

Ariyalur constituency stretches from Ariyalur to Tirumanur. Most parts of Ariyalur and Tirumanur panchayat unions are part of the constituency. In addition to cement factories, people make their living from agriculture. Agriculture is based on rain-fed farming and horticulture and 70% of the people depend on it. Major crops include cashew, sugarcane, corn, cotton and paddy.

There is strong discontent among a section of residents as no cement factory, including the Tamil Nadu Cement Corporation, has opted to hire workers on a permanent basis. Instead, workers are hired on low-wage contracts. Similarly, local people claim that private companies extract the region’s natural resources but do not employ local youth. There are complaints that many quarries operate illegally and enforcement regulations are weak.

Air and water pollution caused by cement factories is seen as an important problem in the district. Many complain that cement dust causes respiratory irritation, chronic cough, phlegm, wheezing, asthma and others. Dust particles cause conjunctivitis, eye irritation, corneal burns and throat inflammation.

The constituency is dominated by Vanniyars. These are followed by Udaiyars, Moopanars and Scheduled Caste people. The winning equation has oscillated between DMK and AIADMK since 1977. While the DMK returned home three times in 1977, 1980 and 1989, the AIADMK emerged victorious in the 2001, 2011 and 2016 elections. Candidates contested by Congress and Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC) won in 2006 and 1996.

In 2021, K. Chinnappa (DMK) polled 1,04,741 votes and defeated Thamarai S. Rajendran (AIADMK) by a margin of 3,234 votes. Naam Tamilar Katchi nominated Keezhakangiyanur Pugalendhi. It is not clear whether the DMK will field its own candidate or give the seat to its allies.

The constituency, which shifts between DMK and AIADMK, faces equal challenges in an environment dominated by caste arithmetic and industrialization, agriculture and a high number of rural voters. Widespread unemployment, inadequate basic amenities, environmental and livelihood issues, and the arithmetic calculations of DMK and AIADMK-led alliances are likely to shape the outcome of the 2026 elections.