Sri Brihadeeswarar Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Ariyal. File | Photo credit: B. Jothi Ramalingam
Ariyalur has a rich historical heritage, mainly associated with the Chola dynasty. Sri Brihadeeswara Temple in Gangaikonda Chozhapuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built around 1000 years ago, still stands majestically as a testament to the legacy.
It is known for its extensive limestone deposits, and thanks to its eight cement factories, it has been the cement center of the state for about 50 years. It also has two sugar mills.
The first cement plant in Ariyalur was established in 1976. When the Tamil Nadu Cement Corporation started building the plant, it was seen as a major impetus for industrialization in the region. It is true that several private giants including Chettinad Cement and UltraTech have set up their plants in Ariyalur. However, it remains one of the most backward areas in the state.
Residents accuse successive governments of failing to adequately invest and prioritize the district. They are of the view that if the constituency produces powerful leaders, the profile of the district would change to a great extent.
Thamarai S. Rajendran (AIADMK), Former Chief Whip, Thol. Thirumavalavan, MP and founder of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi is one of the prominent leaders from Ariyalur district.
Ariyalur constituency extends from Ariyalu to Tirumanur. Most parts of Ariyalur and Tirumanur panchayat unions are part of the constituency. Apart from the cement factories, people depend on agriculture for their livelihood. Agriculture is centered on rain-fed agriculture and horticulture, on which 70% of the people depend. Key crops include cashew, sugarcane, maize, cotton and paddy.
There is strong dissatisfaction among a section of the population that no cement plant including the Tamil Nadu Cement Corporation is giving priority to recruiting workers on a permanent basis. Instead, workers are hired on low-wage contracts. Similarly, locals claim that private companies are exploiting the region’s natural resources but not employing local youth. There are complaints that several quarries are operating illegally and have poor enforcement regulations.
Air and water pollution caused by cement factories is considered a major problem in the constituency. Many complain that cement dust causes respiratory tract irritation, chronic cough, phlegm, wheezing, asthma and more. Dust particles cause conjunctivitis, eye irritation, corneal burns and sore throats.
The constituency is dominated by Vanniyars. They are followed by Udaiyars, Moopanars and Scheduled Caste people. The winning equation has been seesawing between DMK and AIADMK since 1977. While DMK swept home thrice in 1977, 1980 and 1989, AIADMK won elections in 2001, 2011 and 2016. Candidates fielded by the Congress and the Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC) scored in 2006 and 1996 respectively. victory.
In 2021, K. Chinnappa (DMK) secured 1,04,741 votes defeating Thamarai S. Rajendran (AIADMK) by a margin of 3,234 votes. Tamil Naam Katchi nominated Keezhakangiyanur Pugalendhi. It is not clear whether the DMK will field its candidate or allot the seat to its allies.
The constituency, which alternates between DMK and AIADMK, faces the same challenges in a landscape dominated by caste arithmetic and industrialization, agriculture and a high volume of rural voters. Widespread unemployment, lack of basic amenities, environmental and livelihood issues and the arithmetic of the DMK-AIADMK-led alliances are likely to affect the outcome of the 2026 elections.
This article has been edited to correct a factual error.
Published – 25 March 2026 21:17 IST
