In the Anaikattu constituency, D Velazhagan of the AIADMK secured a narrow victory, polling 76,302 votes. He defeated the DMK's A P Nandakumar by a margin of 7,081 votes. The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) candidate R Velmurugan finished third with 63,287 votes, making the contest a closely fought battle that ultimately resulted in an AIADMK win.
Background of the Constituency
The Anaikattu (Anaicut) constituency witnessed a high-stakes defensive battle. The DMK re-nominated the two-term incumbent A P Nandakumar, who sought to maintain his stronghold on the region. He faced a repeated challenge from D Velazhagan of the AIADMK, aiming to avenge his narrow defeat from the previous cycle. The entry of R Velmurugan representing the TVK and Ravikumar of the NTK further intensified the contest, particularly targeting the constituency's youth and rural electorate.
Previous Election Results
The 2021 election saw A P Nandakumar (DMK) secure a hard-fought victory with 95,159 votes (48.55% vote share), defeating D Velazhagan (AIADMK), who polled 88,799 votes. The victory margin was 6,360 votes. In the 2016 election, the seat was won by A P Nandakumar (DMK), who polled 77,058 votes, defeating the AIADMK's M Kalai Arasu by 8,768 votes.
Voter Turnout and Demographics
The voter turnout this year reached 89.67%, a significant jump from the 77.00% recorded in the 2021 elections. Anaikattu (Constituency No. 44), located in the Vellore district, is a region characterized by its blend of agricultural plains and the rugged terrain of the Javadhu Hills. Landmarks like the Odugathur and Pallikonda townships define its geography. A diverse electorate, comprising traditional agricultural communities, mountain-dwelling tribes in the hill tracts, and a growing number of residents employed in the nearby leather and service sectors of Vellore, makes it a critical barometer for gauging rural development and tribal welfare in northern Tamil Nadu.
2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections Overview
The 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections were held in a single phase on April 23, recording a high voter turnout of 85.15%, with results declared on May 4. The polls witnessed an intense three-way contest that challenged the state's traditional bipolar political structure. The electoral battle was primarily between the DMK-led alliance, including the INC and other parties, headed by MK Stalin, and the AIADMK-led alliance, headed by Edappadi K Palaniswami, along with the BJP and other parties. Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), marking actor Vijay's political debut as a third force, contested across all 234 constituencies.
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