V. Gandhiraj, MLA for Arakkonamwww.knowyourmla.com

Arakkonam

SC

Ranipet· Assembly Constituency No. 38

MLA: V. Gandhiraj

Last updated:

Current MLA

Current Party

TVK

Reservation

Scheduled Caste (SC)

District

Ranipet

Electors

Latest Election

2026

Constituency Overview

Arakkonam (SC) Assembly Constituency is located in **Ranipet district** of Tamil Nadu and forms part of the **Arakkonam Lok Sabha constituency**. Reserved for **Scheduled Caste (SC)** candidates, the constituency is centred around the historic town of **Arakkonam**, one of southern India's most important railway junctions. Strategically located between **Chennai**, **Vellore** and **Tirupati**, Arakkonam has developed into a major transport, defence and commercial hub. The town is home to one of the country's largest railway junctions and the nearby **INS Rajali**, one of the Indian Navy's premier air stations and among Asia's longest military airbases.

The constituency enjoys outstanding connectivity through **National Highway 48**, the Chennai–Bengaluru railway corridor and multiple railway routes connecting Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Tirupati and Coimbatore. Transport and logistics dominate the local economy, supported by defence establishments, railway employment, engineering industries, retail trade and agriculture. Surrounding rural areas cultivate paddy, sugarcane, groundnut, maize, vegetables and fodder crops. Dairy farming, poultry, small-scale manufacturing and government services also provide substantial employment.

Location

Approximate location of Arakkonam Assembly Constituency, Ranipet district.

Arakkonam Assembly Constituency, Tamil NaduOpen in Google Maps

2026 Election Result

WinnerTVK

V. Gandhiraj

Votes: 73,776

Runner-upVCK

Ezhil Caroline

Votes: 50,655

Victory margin: 23,121 votes

Political History

Arakkonam has traditionally been one of the politically significant constituencies in northern Tamil Nadu. The constituency has witnessed electoral contests primarily between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Indian National Congress (INC) and other regional political parties.

Railway development, Scheduled Caste welfare, employment generation, defence establishments, urban infrastructure and education have consistently shaped electoral outcomes. The constituency's strategic location and large railway workforce have given it a distinct political identity.

Demographics

Population

5,65,000

Literacy Rate

83.8%

SC Population

24.9%

ST Population

1%

Male

49.8%

Female

50.2%

Economy & Key Occupations

Urban / Rural

Urban–Semi Urban

Major Sectors

RailwaysDefence ServicesLogistics and TransportAgricultureRetail and Wholesale TradeGovernment ServicesSmall Industries

Key Industries

Railway WorkshopsLogistics ServicesEngineering IndustriesAgro ProcessingDairy ProcessingFood ProcessingService Industries

Major Crops

PaddySugarcaneGroundnutMaizeVegetablesCoconutFodder Crops

Key Development Issues

Transport infrastructure and urban development remain the foremost priorities in Arakkonam. Residents seek expansion of railway facilities, improved road connectivity, traffic management and better public transportation.

Farmers seek improved irrigation facilities, groundwater conservation and better market access for agricultural produce. Residents also seek enhanced healthcare facilities, educational institutions, drinking water supply, affordable housing and industrial investment. Skill development, employment generation and expansion of logistics infrastructure remain important priorities.

Constituency Insights

Arakkonam combines strategic transport infrastructure with agricultural productivity. The electorate includes railway employees, defence personnel, farmers, Scheduled Caste communities, traders, government employees, teachers, students and small business owners.

Railways, defence services, logistics and retail trade dominate the urban economy, while agriculture continues to support the surrounding rural areas. The constituency's strategic location has made it one of Tamil Nadu's major transportation hubs. Voters generally prioritise infrastructure, employment, Scheduled Caste welfare, healthcare, education and industrial development.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where is Arakkonam Assembly Constituency located?

A: Arakkonam (SC) Assembly Constituency is located in Ranipet district of Tamil Nadu and forms part of the Arakkonam Lok Sabha constituency.

Q: Is Arakkonam a reserved constituency?

A: Yes. Arakkonam Assembly Constituency is reserved for Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates.

Q: Who is the current MLA of Arakkonam?

A: S. Ravi of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) is the current MLA of Arakkonam, having won the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly election.

Q: Why is Arakkonam Assembly Constituency important?

A: Arakkonam is one of India's most important railway junctions and is home to INS Rajali, a major Indian Navy air station. It is also a key transport and commercial hub in northern Tamil Nadu.

Q: What are the major economic activities in Arakkonam?

A: Railways, defence services, logistics, agriculture, retail trade, government services and small industries are the major economic activities in the constituency.

Q: What are the major crops grown in Arakkonam?

A: Paddy, sugarcane, groundnut, maize, vegetables, coconut and fodder crops are among the major crops cultivated in the constituency.

Q: Is Arakkonam an urban or rural constituency?

A: Arakkonam is an urban and semi-urban constituency comprising Arakkonam town and surrounding agricultural villages.

Q: Which Lok Sabha constituency does Arakkonam belong to?

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

Q: What are the key development issues in Arakkonam?

A: Railway infrastructure, transport connectivity, Scheduled Caste welfare, healthcare, education, drinking water supply, industrial investment and employment generation are among the major concerns.

Q: Why is Arakkonam famous?

A: Arakkonam is famous for its historic railway junction, one of the busiest in southern India, and for INS Rajali, one of the Indian Navy's largest air stations with one of Asia's longest military runways. Its strategic location makes it an important logistics and defence hub.

Q: What factors influence elections in Arakkonam?

A: Railway development, employment opportunities, Scheduled Caste welfare, infrastructure, healthcare, education, industrial growth, welfare schemes and local leadership are among the most important factors influencing elections in the constituency.

Related Constituencies in Ranipet

Explore More