Factors such as community-based voting patterns, loyalty to the AIADMK and DMK, and public sentiment toward current representatives are expected to play a decisive role in the 2026 Assembly elections.
Published Aug 18, 2025 | 5:00 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 12, 2025 | 11:35 AM
Sivaganga district.
Synopsis: The four Assembly constituencies in Sivaganga district are set to witness an intense electoral battle in the 2026 Assembly elections between the ruling alliance of the DMK, Congress and others, and the Opposition alliance of the AIADMK and BJP. The growing presence of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam further adds to the competition. However, the final outcome will depend on how different communities in the district choose to vote.
Still retaining remnants of its roots and ancient culture, forts and temples rise almost as high as the sky in Chettinad and other parts of the Sivaganga district.
Keezhadi, a small village about 12 kilometres southeast of the historic city of Madurai, along the Vaigai River, stands as a testament to human civilisation since ancient times. Carbon dating of charcoal unearthed during excavations in February 2017 placed the settlement around 200 BCE, pointing to the existence of an urban civilisation in Tamil Nadu during the Sangam Age — a period celebrated for its rich literary and cultural heritage.
The Keezhadi excavation site has recently become the centre of disputes between the Tamil Nadu government and the Union government, after the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) asked archaeologist K Amarnath Ramakrishna — who led the excavation — to revise and resubmit his detailed report with corrections.
This directive came more than two years after Ramakrishna had submitted his comprehensive findings.
A region once governed by notable rulers, including Velu Nachiyar and the Marudu brothers, Sivaganga district — carved out of Ramanathapuram in 1985 — is known for its forts and temples. The Karaikudi area, Chettinad, is particularly famous for its distinctive architectural heritage.
The district has also recently been in the headlines following the custodial death of a temple watchman named Ajith Kumar.
Sivaganga district comprises four Assembly constituencies: Sivaganga, Karaikudi, Thiruppathur, and Manamadurai. For parliamentary purposes, the Sivaganga Lok Sabha constituency includes six Assembly segments, two of them — Thirumayam and Alangudi — from Pudukkottai district.
The total electorate of Sivaganga stands at 1,214,997, including 6,19,673 women, 5,95,661 men, and 63 others. Thiruppathur MLA KR Periyakaruppan currently serves as the Minister for Cooperation in the Tamil Nadu Cabinet.
The district is also the hometown of former Union minister P Chidambaram and prominent BJP leader H Raja.
Socially, Sivaganga resembles its neighbour, Madurai. Factors such as community-based voting patterns, loyalty to the AIADMK and DMK, and public sentiment toward current representatives are expected to play a decisive role in the 2026 Assembly elections.
Still, within each Assembly constituency, local issues often determine electoral outcomes.
Historically, the Sivaganga Assembly constituency has alternated between choosing AIADMK, DMK, and Congress representatives. However, for the last two decades, DMK has been unable to achieve a victory there. The constituency has a large population of Mukkulathor and Scheduled Castes, each contributing more than 25 percent of the electorate.
In addition, Chettiar communities and other groups reside here in significant numbers.
The Sivaganga Assembly constituency has a total of 303,065 voters, including 155,423 women, 148,418 men, and three others. It is the only constituency in the district represented by an AIADMK MLA — PR Senthilnathan.
The predominance of Mukkulathor votes is favourable for the AIADMK, and the party’s strong grassroots presence gives it an advantage. Senthilnathan, who also serves as the district secretary of AIADMK, enjoys wide recognition and goodwill across the constituency, which has helped him secure victories. His affiliation with the Mukkulathor community is also considered a key factor in his repeated success.
The CPI has also won here twice, giving it a notable presence. However, as the DMK alliance traditionally cedes this seat to coalition partners, CPI has faced defeats in recent elections. This time, it is expected that DMK might contest directly, with Rajiv Gandhi, a student wing leader, possibly entering the fray, creating a lively contest.
Until 2006, Thiruppathur alternated between AIADMK and DMK. In the last four elections, it has consistently favoured current Cooperation Minister Periyakaruppan. The constituency has 303,065 voters, including 154,958 women, 148,104 men, and 3 others.
Periyakaruppan enjoys high popularity among constituents, who note that welfare programmes have been implemented in every area in his name and that he participates actively in community events.
This consistent engagement contributes to his continued electoral success.
Socially, the constituency is dominated by Yadava, Mukkulathor, and Devendra Kulak Vellalar communities, each forming more than 20 percent of the population.
His affiliation with the Yadava community is advantageous. Further, no prominent AIADMK face has emerged to challenge him, strengthening his prospects.
Karaikudi, known as Chettinad, is renowned for its traditional architecture and historic buildings. The constituency has 321,068 voters, including 163,582 women, 157,432 men, and 54 others.
Currently, S Mangudi of the Congress, an ally of the ruling DMK, represents this constituency. Karaikudi has traditionally been allotted to Congress due to the influence of P Chidambaram and KR Ramasamy, who dominated the area politically. These two leaders largely decide electoral outcomes here.
Mukkulathor voters form 40 percent of the total electorate here, Chettiar 20 percent, Devendra Kula Vellalar 15 percent, and Vellambar communities over 10 percent. Mangudi belongs to the Vellambar community. Other groups, including Pillai communities, also have a significant presence.
Both AIADMK and DMK have alternately won here, but recent dissatisfaction with Congress and issues with Sivaganga MP Karti Chidambaram may influence voters.
While the Mukkulathor community’s votes are generally favourable to AIADMK, internal divisions may create some uncertainty. Dr Prabhu Durai of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has gained online popularity but lacks significant ground support.
This time, DMK has the opportunity to contest directly in this constituency. Therefore, a tough contest is expected between DMK and AIADMK. Even from the AIADMK side, it would not be surprising if H Raja, who has already won once in this constituency, decides to contest again.
Manamadurai, a reserved constituency in Sivaganga, is represented by former DMK minister Tamilarasi Ravikumar. It has 286,021 voters, including 140,307 men, 145,710 women, and four others.
Here, Scheduled Castes form more than 40 percent of the electorate, Mukkulathor over 20 percent. Yadava and Vellalar communities also have a significant presence in the constituency. From 2006 to 2021, the constituency was represented by AIADMK, but in the 2021 election, DMK captured it.
As voting here largely depends on Scheduled Caste support, the contest remains highly competitive between AIADMK and DMK. Former AIADMK MLA and current DMK Manamadurai town chairman Mariappan Kennedy may contest on behalf of DMK this time.
The Sivaganga parliamentary constituency has long been a Congress stronghold, largely due to the influence of P Chidambaram, who was elected seven times as MP here. In the last two elections, Karti Chidambaram has represented the constituency.
However, internal party conflicts and local dissatisfaction with Karti’s performance have created some discontent, though Congress is still expected to retain significant influence in the area.
Among the four assembly constituencies in Sivaganga, DMK is expected to have higher chances. AIADMK-BJP alliance leaders such as H Raja may contest, while Congress may retain Manamadurai. DMK is expected to directly contest the other three constituencies: Sivaganga, Karaikudi, and Thiruppathur.
In the past, the Sivaganga assembly seat had been allocated to the CPI twice. The CPI(M) have also been requesting Manamadurai. If DMK decides to allocate Manamadurai to an ally, it may go to a Communist party, though Congress may resist this.
While parties like Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) and TVK have social media support, ground-level caste-based and loyal votes remain decisive in the district.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
