An aqueduct that is part of the 58 canal project in the dry region of Usilampatti in Madurai district. This project has not fulfilled its purpose, the farmers charge. | Photo credit: R. Ashok
The rural segment of Usilampatti assembly is a microcosm of the independent spirit of Madurai district. Here, even a small function gives room for a hearty celebration. About 30 km from Madurai, checkered paddy and jasmine fields greet travelers who travel along the Madurai-Kochi State Highway 49. This highway, as it passes through Usilampatti, becomes congested with traffic and traffic jams are frequent during wedding and festival seasons. In 1995, Usilampatti was established as a third-tier municipality. Without extensive infrastructural development, this town still retains its rural character.
For the locals, Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar and PK Mookiah Thevar are heroes and always have a soft spot for the All India Forward Bloc (AIFB). By the 2021 parliamentary elections, the AIFB had either won the seat or finished a close second or third behind the Dravidian parties. Now that the AIFB is in shambles, voters have to choose candidates from one of the Dravidian parties
Published – 15 April 2026 21:45 IST
