Maharajan.A, MLA for Andipattiwww.knowyourmla.com

Andipatti

General

Theni· Assembly Constituency No. 198

MLA: Maharajan.A

Last updated:

Current MLA

Current Party

DMK

Reservation

General

District

Theni

Electors

Latest Election

2026

Constituency Overview

Andipatti Assembly Constituency is located in **Theni district** of Tamil Nadu and forms part of the **Theni Lok Sabha constituency**. Situated at the foothills of the **Western Ghats**, the constituency is centred around the town of **Andipatti**, an important agricultural and commercial centre in south-western Tamil Nadu. The constituency is renowned for its scenic landscapes, fertile valleys and extensive irrigation network supported by the **Vaigai Dam**, one of Tamil Nadu's most significant irrigation and drinking water projects. Andipatti also holds a special place in Tamil Nadu's political history as the constituency from which former Chief Minister **J. Jayalalithaa** returned to the Legislative Assembly in the 2002 by-election.

The constituency enjoys good connectivity through state highways linking it with Theni, Madurai, Periyakulam and Usilampatti. Agriculture is the backbone of the local economy, supported by the **Vaigai River**, canals, reservoirs and groundwater resources. Paddy, banana, sugarcane, cotton, coconut, grapes, mangoes and vegetables are cultivated extensively. Horticulture, dairy farming, poultry, agro-processing, retail trade and tourism also contribute significantly to employment. The constituency attracts visitors to the **Vaigai Dam**, nearby hill stations and eco-tourism destinations in the Western Ghats.

Location

Approximate location of Andipatti Assembly Constituency, Theni district.

Andipatti Assembly Constituency, Tamil NaduOpen in Google Maps

2026 Election Result

WinnerDMK

Maharajan.A

Votes: 74,324

Runner-upTVK

Pandi.V

Votes: 64,770

Victory margin: 9,554 votes

Political History

Andipatti is one of the most politically significant constituencies in Tamil Nadu. The constituency has witnessed electoral contests primarily between the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Indian National Congress (INC), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and other regional political parties.

The constituency gained statewide prominence when **J. Jayalalithaa** contested and won the **2002 by-election**, enabling her to return as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Agriculture, irrigation, rural infrastructure, horticulture and employment generation have consistently shaped electoral outcomes.

Demographics

Population

5,45,000

Literacy Rate

80.8%

SC Population

19.1%

ST Population

1.4%

Male

49.7%

Female

50.3%

Economy & Key Occupations

Urban / Rural

Semi Urban–Rural

Major Sectors

AgricultureHorticultureDairy FarmingTourismAgro ProcessingRetail and Wholesale TradeGovernment Services

Key Industries

Agro ProcessingFruit ProcessingDairy ProcessingFood ProcessingTourism and HospitalityAgricultural TradingService Industries

Major Crops

PaddyBananaSugarcaneCoconutGrapesMangoVegetables

Key Development Issues

Water management and agricultural development remain the foremost priorities in Andipatti. Farmers seek reliable irrigation from the Vaigai Dam, modern irrigation systems, groundwater conservation and better market access for horticultural produce.

Residents seek improved healthcare facilities, educational institutions, road connectivity, drinking water supply and public transportation. Expansion of agro-processing industries, cold-storage infrastructure, tourism facilities and employment opportunities for youth remain important priorities. Environmental conservation and sustainable water management are also major concerns.

Constituency Insights

Andipatti combines agricultural prosperity with historical political significance. The electorate includes farmers, horticulturists, traders, dairy farmers, government employees, teachers, students and tourism-related entrepreneurs.

Agriculture and horticulture dominate the local economy, while agro-processing, dairy farming, tourism and retail trade provide substantial employment. The constituency benefits from the fertile Vaigai basin and the ecological richness of the Western Ghats. Voters generally prioritise irrigation, agricultural support, healthcare, education, infrastructure and employment opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where is Andipatti Assembly Constituency located?

A: Andipatti Assembly Constituency is located in Theni district of Tamil Nadu and forms part of the Theni Lok Sabha constituency.

Q: Who is the current MLA of Andipatti?

A: A. Maharajan of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is the current MLA of Andipatti, having won the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly election.

Q: Why is Andipatti Assembly Constituency important?

A: Andipatti is known for its fertile agricultural lands, the Vaigai Dam, and its prominent place in Tamil Nadu's political history as the constituency from which former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa returned to the Legislative Assembly in 2002.

Q: What are the major economic activities in Andipatti?

A: Agriculture, horticulture, dairy farming, tourism, agro-processing, retail trade and government services are the major economic activities in the constituency.

Q: What are the major crops grown in Andipatti?

A: Paddy, banana, sugarcane, coconut, grapes, mangoes and vegetables are among the major crops cultivated in the constituency.

Q: Is Andipatti an urban or rural constituency?

A: Andipatti is a semi-urban and rural constituency comprising Andipatti town and numerous surrounding agricultural villages.

Q: Which Lok Sabha constituency does Andipatti belong to?

A: Andipatti Assembly Constituency is part of the Theni Lok Sabha constituency.

Q: What are the key development issues in Andipatti?

A: Irrigation, Vaigai Dam water management, agricultural development, horticulture, healthcare, education, road infrastructure, tourism and employment generation are among the major concerns.

Q: Why is Andipatti famous?

A: Andipatti is famous for the Vaigai Dam, one of Tamil Nadu's most important irrigation and drinking water reservoirs, and for its role in the state's political history when J. Jayalalithaa won the 2002 by-election from the constituency. The region is also known for its fertile farms, fruit cultivation and scenic setting near the Western Ghats.

Q: What factors influence elections in Andipatti?

A: Irrigation, agricultural development, horticulture, water management, healthcare, education, infrastructure, tourism, welfare schemes and local leadership are among the most important factors influencing elections in the constituency.

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