Despite its small size, Perambalur plays an important role in Tamil Nadu politics, and the district is the state's only one with just two Assembly segments.
Published Nov 17, 2025 | 5:57 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 17, 2025 | 5:57 PM
Perambalur is the only district in Tamil Nadu with just two Assembly constituencies.
Synopsis: Both constituencies in the district are currently held by the DMK. Raja and Sivasankar are regarded as influential figures, giving the DMK an advantage. In contrast, people feel the AIADMK lacks strong leaders of similar stature in the district, which puts the party at a disadvantage.
The Perambalur district has a unique distinction — it is the only district in Tamil Nadu with just two Assembly constituencies.
Historically, too, the district is significant. Major battles were once fought here between the Nawabs. Initially part of Tiruchirappalli, Perambalur was carved out as a separate district in 1995, then split into Perambalur and Ariyalur in 2000, merged again in 2002, and finally reconstituted as the present Perambalur district in 2007.
Despite its small size, the district plays an important role in Tamil Nadu politics. The current Transport Minister, SS Sivasankar, is the MLA from Kunnam in this district. Likewise, DMK’s deputy general secretary and prominent national leader, Nilgiris MP A Raja, also hails from Perambalur.
The Perambalur Lok Sabha constituency comprises six Assembly segments: Kulithalai, Lalgudi, Manachanallur, Musiri, Thuraiyur, and Perambalur. The sitting MP is Arun Nehru, son of the Minister for Municipal Administration, KN Nehru.
The district has a total of 5,86,073 voters — 2,99,452 women, 2,86,591 men, and 30 third-gender voters.
Perambalur is predominantly agricultural, with cultural and geographic traits resembling both Tiruchirappalli and northern Tamil Nadu.
As Tamil Nadu moves towards the 2026 Assembly elections, the choices that these two constituencies will make become politically important.
Perambalur is a reserved constituency. It has 3,07,296 voters: 1,58,162 women, 1,49,106 men, and 28 third-gender voters.
The seat has alternated between the AIADMK and the DMK, though the DMK has won more often. The current MLA is M Prabhakaran of the DMK.
This constituency is largely dependent on agriculture, with cotton, maize, and small onions being the key crops. Socially, Dalits form the largest group, followed by the Udayar community and other OBC and MBC communities.
Locals note that A Raja has considerable influence here. On the AIADMK side, former MLA and AIADMK district secretary R. Tamilselvan, though active in local politics, is not seen as a leader with substantial public support or a strong mass base in the constituency.
For years, residents of Chinnamutlu village have been demanding the launch of a water reservoir project, which they believe will benefit agriculture and other needs.
Apart from two sugar mills (one public, one private) and an MRF factory, the constituency lacks major industries, and people want agro-based industries that can add value to local produce.
Transport Minister Sivasankar is the sitting MLA of Kunnam. He served from 2011 to 2016, and again from 2021 to the present.
The constituency has 2,78,777 voters: 1,41,290 women, 1,37,485 men, and 2 third-gender voters.
Kunnam is also heavily agriculture-based. Socially, it has significant populations of Vanniyars, Dalits, and other OBC communities.
Voters said Sivasankar is known for his accessibility and responsiveness to public needs. However, like Perambalur, this constituency also suffers from the absence of major industries and long-term infrastructure.
Despite these limitations, Sivasankar is viewed as a leader with strong, stable support.
Both constituencies in the district are currently held by the DMK. Raja and Sivasankar are regarded as influential figures, giving the DMK an advantage. In contrast, people feel the AIADMK lacks strong leaders of similar stature in the district, which puts the party at a disadvantage.
Perambalur also has a significant Muslim voter base, especially in Kunnam, where their votes are often decisive. Locals believe that the AIADMK–BJP alliance could push Muslim voters entirely towards the DMK.
Residents have long demanded a medical college and an upgraded district hospital, arguing that the existing facilities lack essential equipment, especially for cardiac and pulmonary care.
For such treatments, people now have to travel long distances to Trichy or Thanjavur. They point out that the medical college announced during the 2006–2011 DMK government was shelved after the regime change, and want it revived.
Since this is an agricultural district, people also want a veterinary hospital and an agricultural college. Another longstanding demand is the creation of a railway line, since Perambalur remains one of the few districts without one. Locals believe rail connectivity would help spur industrial development.
While the DMK enjoys considerable support in the district, these demands are expected to play a crucial role in the upcoming elections.
As for the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, locals say the party does not appear to have notable youth support in Perambalur.
Overall, the political climate in both constituencies currently favours the DMK.
(Edited by Majnu Babu)
