If the DMK can capture the social space left behind by AIADMK and also address people’s issues, it may continue to enjoy favorable ground in the elections.
Published Sep 08, 2025 | 1:00 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 08, 2025 | 2:07 PM
Theni.
Synopsis: Once a stronghold of the AIADMK, the district has favoured the DMK, thanks to the infighting in the Opposition party. The DMK has pinned its hopes on Theni, but if the split-away Panneerselvan faction and AMMK decide to return to the NDA fold before the 2o26 Assembly election, the district might upset the ruling party’s applecart.
Roadside flower and lottery vendors become active earlier in the day at Kumily in Kerala, as several jeeps and buses empty labourers from Tamil Nadu near the bus stand.
The collective chatter of the labourers — mostly women with firecracker flowers adorning their hair — fills the air as they head towards the several cardamom plantations in the area.
Around 60 kilometres down the road from Kumily, Theni in Tamil Nadu wakes up much earlier, for many people have found jobs in neighbouring Kerala.
A road from the Kumily bus stand goes past a check post, passes through verdant forests, and meanders through the Western Ghats. The route is scenic, almost poetic, as it traverses the ups, downs, and sharp curves of the hilly area.
It goes past the penstock pipes taking water from Mullaperiyar — or Mullaiperiyar, depending on which side of the border you are in — and vineyards where Panneer Thratchai, a variety also known as Muscat Hamburg, grow in abundance on over 2,000 hectares in Cumbum valley.
Downhill in Theni, sunflower fields bursting with yellow keep an eye on the sun moving west, a welcome sign that Tamil Nadu offers. Beyond the fields, the Western Ghats stand still, as if in a confused state of sleep and wakefulness, often playing hide-and-seek through the patched blankets of fog.
Theni, a predominantly agricultural district, is already bustling with life, and whirring mopeds transporting people, some even beyond their carrying capacity. The district’s culture has hidden hints of Kerala, probably because of the proximity.
The Theni district consists of four Assembly constituencies: Andipatti, Periyakulam, Bodinayakkanur, and Cumbum. It has 11,38,599 voters, of whom 5,82,276 are women, 5,56,118 are men, and 205 are in the “others” category.
The district holds considerable political significance. Former chief minister O Panneerselvam — one of the leaders expelled from the AIADMK and once its coordinator — hails from the district.
Socially, Theni mirrors Madurai in many ways, but it also has its own distinct set of issues. Long-standing problems such as the unresolved Mullaiperiyar dam dispute, road infrastructure concerns, and demands for modernisation significantly influence electoral outcomes.
Andipatti has long been one of the AIADMK’s key strongholds. Former chief ministers MG Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa had successfully contested from the constituency, underscoring its special connection to the party and its leadership.
However, following Jayalalithaa’s demise and the ensuing internal chaos within AIADMK, 18 MLAs were disqualified. In the subsequent 2019 by-election, DMK’s A Maharajan won, and the party retained the seat in the 2021 Assembly election as well.
Thanga Tamilselvan, once an important AIADMK leader and MLA, has since joined the DMK, becoming a major strength for the party. He is currently the DMK’s MP representing the Theni Lok Sabha constituency.
Andipatti has a total of 2,80,968 voters — 1,42,852 women, 1,38,081 men, and 35 others.
Socially, the constituency is dominated by the Mukkulathor community, followed by the Naidus (over 20%) and Scheduled Castes (over 15%). Other communities are also present in significant numbers.
Traditionally, Mukkulathors backed the AIADMK, but factional disputes within the party have scattered this voter base. With key leaders having migrated to the DMK, this has further strengthened the ruling party. The combination of Mukkulathor and Scheduled Caste votes has enabled the DMK to secure victory here.
Given that the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK), and Panneerselvam faction have all moved out of the NDA, the situation has further worsened for AIADMK. At present, the constituency remains favorable to the DMK.
Periyakulam, Theni’s only reserved constituency, was once a stronghold of the AIADMK but has been under DMK’s control since the 2019 by-election.
The constituency has 2,92,429 voters — 1,49,181 women, 1,43,125 men, and 123 others.
Over 35 percent of the population here belongs to the Scheduled Castes, followed by Mukkulathors (over 30%), Naidus (over 15%), along with a notable presence of Muslims and other communities.
With both SC and Mukkulathor votes being decisive, AIADMK’s internal conflicts and factionalism have tilted the scales in favour of the DMK since 2019. Currently, KS Saravanakumar of the DMK represents the constituency in the Assembly.
Though AIADMK still has loyal voters, the current situation has left many supporters confused about which faction to align with, a scenario that continues to benefit the DMK. Therefore, the constituency presently remains favourable to the DMK.
Pannerselvan won Bodinayakkanur three consecutive times. The constituency has 2,79,048 voters — 1,43,192 women, 1,35,837 men, and 19 others.
The Mukkulathor community, comprising over 40 percent of the population, is the deciding factor. They are followed by the Pillai community (over 20%), Chettiyars (over 15%), Scheduled Castes (over 10%), and other communities in significant numbers.
As a Mukkulathor himself, Panneerselvam has leveraged his community backing to dominate this constituency. However, the situation is no longer the same as in 2021. The DMK has fielded Lakshmanan (from the Chettiyar community) and Thanga Tamilselvan (a Mukkulathor) against him. Additionally, with AIADMK itself opposing him now, OPS may face serious hurdles in securing another victory.
Cumbum has alternated between the AIADMK and DMK. The constituency has 2,86,154 voters — 1,47,051 women, 1,39,075 men, and 28 others.
Like other constituencies in Theni, Mukkulathors form more than 30 percent of the population. The Vokkaliga Gowda community accounts for over 20 percent, while the Scheduled Castes make up more than 15 percent.
Currently, Ramakrishnan of the DMK, from the Vokkaliga Gowda community, represents the constituency.
Compared to AIADMK, the DMK alliance enjoys stronger prospects here. The internal problems of AIADMK have also eroded its support base. With backing from both the Gowda community and the Scheduled Castes, alongside significant support from other groups, the DMK secured a win in the constituency.
However, as a swing seat, Cumbum is likely to witness a close contest between the two major parties.
The continuing rift between Edappadi K Palaniswami and Panneerselvam, the split caused by AMMK, and the infighting in AIADMK will affect the poll outcome in Theni. At the same time, Theni is also one of the districts that the DMK has benefited from the most due to these divisions.
The latest political developments — Panneerselvam faction and AMMK exiting the NDA — could further confuse the party’s grassroots workers, especially among the Mukkulathor community, which forms a crucial vote bank. This fragmentation could once again favour the DMK.
At the same time, long-pending demands such as resolving the Mullaiperiyar dam issue, addressing poor road facilities, establishing modern industries, and improving employment opportunities will also play a significant role in the upcoming elections.
If the DMK can capture the social space left behind by AIADMK and also address people’s issues, it may continue to enjoy favourable ground in the elections. However, with 10 months still left, any reconciliation within the AIADMK or a re-entry of Panneerselvam and AMMK into the NDA could turn the tide against the DMK.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
