In a significant electoral outcome from the Arakkonam constituency in Tamil Nadu, V Gandhiraj of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) secured a decisive victory, polling 73,776 votes. He defeated Ezhil Caroline of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) by a margin of 23,121 votes. The incumbent AIADMK candidate, S Ravi, finished third with 50,052 votes, as the constituency delivered a clear mandate in favour of the TVK.
High-Stakes Contest in Arakkonam
The Arakkonam constituency witnessed a high-stakes defensive battle, with the AIADMK re-nominating the three-term incumbent S Ravi, who sought to extend his 15-year hold on the seat. He faced a challenge from the DMK-led alliance, which fielded Ezhil Caroline of the VCK as part of their coalition strategy. The contest was further intensified by the entry of V Gandhiraj representing the TVK and Rajkumar of the NTK, both of whom targeted the constituency's significant industrial and youth demographics.
Previous Election Results
In the 2021 election, S Ravi (AIADMK) secured a comfortable victory with 85,399 votes, representing a 50% vote share, defeating J Gowthama Sannah (VCK), who polled 58,230 votes. The victory margin was 27,169 votes. In the 2016 election, the seat was also won by S Ravi (AIADMK), who polled 68,176 votes, narrowly defeating the DMK's N Rajkumar by 4,161 votes.
High Voter Turnout
The voter turnout this year was 90.15%, continuing the trend of high participation in the region and surpassing the 76.89% recorded in 2021. Arakkonam (Constituency No. 38), located in the Ranipet district and reserved for candidates from the Scheduled Castes, is one of the most important transit and industrial junctions in South India. Landmarks like the INS Rajali Naval Air Station, one of the largest in Asia, and the historic Arakkonam Junction, which serves as a vital gateway connecting Chennai with Bangalore and Mumbai, define its identity. A socially diverse electorate, comprising railway employees, naval personnel, and a large number of industrial workers from nearby Special Economic Zones (SEZs), makes it a critical barometer for labour welfare and infrastructure development in northern Tamil Nadu.
2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections
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. The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), marking actor Vijay's political debut, emerged as a third force contesting all 234 constituencies.
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