Cuddalore, a district known for its blend of industries and agricultural activities, houses diverse communities such as the Vanniyars, Pillaimars, SCs, and Reddiyars. The constituency encompasses Thittagudi (reserved), Vriddhachalam, Neyveli, Panruti, Cuddalore, and Kurinjipadi assembly segments, boasting a total of 14.12 lakh voters distributed across 1,509 polling centers.
The upcoming election is set to witness a multi-cornered contest featuring Congress, PMK, DMK, and NTK. Over the past 17 elections, Congress secured victory seven times, while DMK emerged victorious on five occasions. Notably, AIADMK clinched the seat in 1998 and 2014, with A Arunmozhithevan defeating DMK candidate K Nandgopal Krishnan. However, in 2019, TRVS Ramesh of DMK emerged victorious, defeating PMK candidate R Govindaswamy.
The constituency has faced challenges regarding accessibility to elected representatives, with allegations of misconduct surfacing against the incumbent DMK MP, including accusations of involvement in a murder case. Additionally, incidents of caste conflicts between the Vanniyar and Scheduled Caste communities have disrupted peace and tranquility in the region.
Congress has nominated Vishnu Prasad as its candidate, while PMK has put forward film director Shankar Bachan. Additionally, P Siva Kozhundhu of DMDK and V Manivasagan of NTK are also contesting in the constituency.
Prime crops in the area include cashew, groundnuts, paddy, sugarcane, black gram, and green gram. The constituents are demanding better infrastructure and opportunities for setting up cashew processing units, exploring export possibilities, and extracting groundnut oil.
One of the key issues in the election is the proposed acquisition of lands by the Government of India undertaking NLC India Ltd for its Mines III project. The PMK, particularly after joining the NDA fold, has vigorously raised this issue.
The chemical industries in Cuddalore SIPCOT are under scrutiny for polluting groundwater, soil, and air. The constituency is prone to flooding, with no permanent flood mitigation measures initiated.
PMK is making significant efforts to secure the seat from the Congress-DMK alliance, focusing on issues like land acquisition by NLC and industrial pollution. It aims to capitalize on the presence of BJP and its allies, highlighting Prime Minister Modi’s corruption-free governance and welfare projects for all sections of society.
Congress candidate Vishnu Prasad is banking on the support of the DMK government’s schemes, party cadre’s strength, and Vanniyar votes. He promises employment for those affected by NLC land acquisition. The constituency’s significant issues include NLC land acquisition and industrial pollution, with groundwater depletion being a major concern. Immediate attention is required for flood mitigation. The area has important temples and potential for pilgrimage and tourism, contingent on improved infrastructure. Addressing clashes between Vanniyars and Scheduled caste communities is crucial. These are the expectations from the winning candidate.
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