Election – Senthilkumar Criticises Longstanding Gaps in Palacode Development Efforts
Election – DMK candidate DNV S Senthilkumar has sharply criticised his political rival, AIADMK’s KP Anbalagan, accusing him of failing to address key infrastructure and water-related issues in the Palacode constituency despite holding office for decades.
Campaign Begins with Focus on Local Issues
Launching his election campaign across parts of Palacode and nearby Karimangalam, Senthilkumar addressed residents during an introductory meeting on Monday. He highlighted his tenure as a Member of Parliament representing Dharmapuri, stating that several large-scale development initiatives had been brought to the district under his leadership.
According to Senthilkumar, projects worth approximately Rs 15,000 crore were introduced during his time in office, aimed at improving infrastructure and economic opportunities. He contrasted this with what he described as a lack of visible progress in Palacode under the long-serving MLA.
Criticism of Long-Term Representation
Taking direct aim at Anbalagan’s political record, Senthilkumar pointed out that the AIADMK leader has represented Palacode for around 25 years and has also served twice as a minister. Despite this, he argued, many pressing concerns in the constituency remain unresolved.
He stated that consistent leadership over such a long period should have translated into meaningful improvements on the ground. Instead, he claimed that residents continue to struggle with basic issues that require urgent attention.
Water Management Remains a Key Concern
One of the central issues raised during the campaign was the absence of a comprehensive water management system in the region. Senthilkumar emphasized that both drinking water supply and irrigation facilities remain inadequate, affecting daily life and agricultural productivity.
He suggested that with proper planning and commitment, multiple water-related projects could have been implemented over the years. However, he alleged that these opportunities were not fully utilised, leaving the constituency vulnerable to recurring shortages.
Residents, he said, are facing significant hardship due to the lack of reliable water access, which impacts not only households but also farmers who depend on consistent irrigation.
Limited Development Achievements Highlighted
While acknowledging that an arts college had been established in the constituency, Senthilkumar described it as one of the few notable developments during Anbalagan’s tenure. He argued that broader progress across sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, and public services has been limited.
He further claimed that the absence of strong advocacy has contributed to the slow pace of development. According to him, the constituency requires leadership that actively represents the needs of the people and pushes for sustained growth.
Promises for Future Development
Looking ahead, Senthilkumar outlined his priorities if elected. He proposed measures to support local farmers by facilitating the export of vegetables grown in the region, which could help increase income and open up new markets.
Additionally, he pledged to work towards implementing the Thenpennai Surplus Water Scheme, which aims to improve water availability and support agricultural activities. He described this as a crucial step toward addressing the long-standing water crisis in Palacode.
Call for Change in Representation
Concluding his address, Senthilkumar urged voters to consider a shift in leadership, arguing that a new approach is necessary to break the cycle of underdevelopment. He expressed confidence that with focused efforts and better planning, Palacode could move toward a more sustainable and prosperous future.
His campaign message centered on accountability, improved infrastructure, and ensuring that basic needs such as water access are adequately met for all residents.