Tiruvarur is known for its greenery, abundance, and its political clashes. Once a stronghold of the Left, the district has for decades been a bastion of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
Published Oct 07, 2025 | 9:00 AM ⚊ Updated Oct 07, 2025 | 9:00 AM
Tiruvarur.
Synopsis: The DMK continues to dominate Tiruvarur district, though internal rivalries may test the party ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. While the DMK holds a firm grip on Tiruvarur and Mannargudi, the Left retains Thiruthuraipoondi and the AIADMK clings to its lone bastion in Nannilam. With agriculture still central to the district’s economy, demands for jobs, industries and social justice remain pressing concerns for voters.
From being one of the five capitals of the Chola Empire to being hailed today as the “granary of South India”, Tiruvarur district is a key part of the fertile Cauvery delta.
This district, once ruled by the Cholas, Pandyas, Nayaks, the Vijayanagar Empire and the Marathas, remains over 70 percent dependent on agriculture. While it is known for its greenery and abundance, it is also remembered for political clashes. The region has long been associated with rivalries, murders, caste conflicts and “kattapanchayat”.
Administratively, Tiruvarur has four Assembly constituencies: Thiruthuraipoondi, Mannargudi, Tiruvarur and Nannilam. It falls under the Nagapattinam Lok Sabha constituency.
According to voter rolls, the district has 10,64,640 voters – 5,46,414 women, 5,18,157 men and 69 others.
Compared to other delta districts, Tiruvarur has a distinct social composition. Caste equations and constituency demographics continue to play a decisive role in elections.
Once a stronghold of the Left, the district has for decades been a bastion of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). The key faces of the party here are the family of Poondi Kalaivanan and senior leader TR Baalu, along with his son TRB Raja.
Kalaivanan is regarded as a fiercely loyal DMK leader. When former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi contested from Tiruvarur in the 2011 and 2016 Assembly elections, Kalaivanan worked on the ground without protest at not being given the seat himself. In 2021, he even filed a petition urging Chief Minister MK Stalin to contest from Tiruvarur.
Currently, Mannargudi MLA TRB Raja serves as Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Industries. Locals note that within the district, Tiruvarur and Nannilam constituencies are under Kalaivanan’s control, while Mannargudi and Thiruthuraipoondi fall under Raja’s influence. Neither interferes in the other’s area.
Some say there is discontent as the more senior Kalaivanan was overlooked for a ministerial berth, which went instead to Raja.
In the district’s principal constituency, Tiruvarur, locals say, “what Kalaivanan says is law.”
Once a Communist Party of India (Marxist) stronghold that won four consecutive terms, the seat has since 1996 been consistently held by the DMK. Whoever contests on the party’s ticket here is considered assured of victory.
The constituency has 2,84,308 voters: 1,46,760 women, 1,37,519 men and 29 others. By caste, Mukulathors form about 40 percent, followed by Pillai-Vellalars, Dalits and other groups. DMK’s Poondi Kalaivanan is the current MLA.
The long-standing demand has been for agriculture-based industries and jobs, as the area remains largely agrarian.
Among young voters, both Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) are said to hold some influence. Reports suggest TVK has opened units even in smaller villages.
Yet political observers note that as long as Kalaivanan contests, he is seen as unbeatable. Allegations persist, however, of caste discrimination, kattapanchayat practices and anti-Dalit behaviour.
There are also complaints that basic infrastructure has not improved much. But with no strong All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) challenger and the DMK’s continuing grassroots strength, the seat tilts firmly in the party’s favour.
Among the four constituencies in Tiruvarur district, the only one the AIADMK has consistently held is Nannilam. Former AIADMK Food Minister R Kamaraj is the current MLA.
For the past three elections, Kamaraj has dominated this seat, which historically has leaned more towards the AIADMK than the DMK.
Nannilam has 2,80,955 voters: 1,42,395 women, 1,38,543 men and 17 others.
Socially, Mukulathors make up about 40 percent, while Dalits account for over 30 percent. Kamaraj, himself a Mukulathor, is said to enjoy Dalit support as well. His role as AIADMK district secretary and his constant presence at local events have strengthened his grassroots connect.
For the DMK, Kalaivanan is the principal face here too, though the party lacks strong local leaders. NTK has some presence, while the two Left parties continue to retain their traditional cadres.
Nannilam, being a major paddy and cotton-growing belt, has long demanded agro-industries. Dalit voters here also push for better facilities and social justice measures.
Whether the AIADMK’s internal splits will fragment Mukulathor votes, as seen in the southern districts, remains uncertain. If not, the seat is expected to remain with the AIADMK.
Thiruthuraipoondi, the only reserved constituency in Tiruvarur, is currently represented by Communist Party of India’s (CPI) K Marimuthu, a DMK ally.
Since the first Assembly election, Left parties—particularly the CPI—have held this seat for more than 45 years. Only twice has the DMK won here, and once the Congress. Even today, it is regarded as a Left stronghold.
The constituency has 2,41,037 voters: 1,23,521 women, 1,17,501 men and 15 others.
By caste, Devendrakula Vellalars make up 60 percent, Mukulathors 20 percent, followed by Vanniyars and Muslims. Being largely rural, the constituency faces issues such as untouchability practices, separate cremation grounds, poor roads, lack of modern farming techniques, and the dismantling of the long-running Korkai cattle farm to make way for a SIPCOT industrial estate.
As Left organisations continue to champion these concerns, the seat remains favourable to the DMK-CPI alliance.
Industries Minister TRB Raja represents Mannargudi. Locals say his ambition is to carve out a separate district by merging Mannargudi and Thiruthuraipoondi with Kumbakonam.
The constituency has 2,58,340 voters: 1,33,738 women, 1,24,594 men and 8 others.
Mukulathors, at over 40 percent, form Raja’s core base, with Pillai-Vellalars, Vanniyars and Dalits also in significant numbers. Dalits here are reported to still face untouchability-related discrimination.
People describe Raja as someone who “gets things done”, though not easily accessible. Local demands focus on ensuring value addition for farm produce and addressing caste-based discrimination.
The constituency also sees a minor influence from Sasikala and TTV Dhinakaran loyalists.
On the ground, the situation currently looks favourable for the DMK in Tiruvarur district. However, internal frictions, especially between Kalaivanan and TRB Raja, could cause trouble.
Basic infrastructure needs and demands for industrial development are also expected to play a big role in the election. While there is some dissatisfaction with the DMK, the party still holds the advantage.
Another big task for the DMK is that if Kalaivanan once again wins from Tiruvarur, there could be mounting pressure on the party leadership to make him a minister. If the leadership delays or avoids such a decision, it could create problems for the party in the future.
For the AIADMK, the key will be preventing its vote bank from fragmenting. The party is likely to focus more on retaining the one shaky fort it currently holds in the district.
