Current MLA
Current Party
Reservation
District
Electors
Latest Election
Constituency Overview
Cumbum Assembly Constituency is located in **Theni district** of Tamil Nadu and forms part of the **Theni Lok Sabha constituency**. Situated in the picturesque **Cumbum Valley** at the foothills of the **Western Ghats**, the constituency is centred around the town of **Cumbum (Kambam)**, one of Tamil Nadu's most prosperous agricultural and horticultural centres. The valley, bordered by the Western Ghats on three sides, is among the state's most fertile regions and is often referred to as the **"Grape Garden of Tamil Nadu"** owing to its extensive grape cultivation. The constituency also serves as an important gateway to **Kerala** through the **Kumily Pass**.
The constituency enjoys excellent connectivity through state highways linking it with Theni, Uthamapalayam, Kumily, Madurai and Kerala. Agriculture is the backbone of the local economy, supported by the **Periyar River**, the **Periyar Dam**, canal irrigation and groundwater resources. Grapes, paddy, banana, sugarcane, coconut, tomato, chilli and vegetables are cultivated extensively. The region is also one of India's leading producers of grapes, with a flourishing wine grape and table grape industry. Horticulture, spice trading, agro-processing, dairy farming, retail trade and tourism contribute significantly to employment.
Location
Approximate location of Cumbum Assembly Constituency, Theni district.
2026 Election Result
Jeganathmishra Pla
Votes: 85,394
Eramakrishnan N
Votes: 84,643
Victory margin: 751 votes
Political History
Cumbum has traditionally been one of the politically significant constituencies in western Tamil Nadu. The constituency has witnessed electoral contests primarily between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), Indian National Congress (INC), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) and other regional political parties.
Agriculture, Periyar water management, horticulture, cross-border trade with Kerala, rural infrastructure and employment generation have consistently shaped electoral outcomes. Water-sharing issues and farmers' welfare remain central political themes.
Demographics
Population
Literacy Rate
SC Population
ST Population
Male
Female
Economy & Key Occupations
Urban / Rural
Major Sectors
Key Industries
Major Crops
Key Development Issues
Irrigation and horticultural development remain the foremost priorities in Cumbum. Farmers seek assured water supply from the Periyar system, modern irrigation techniques, cold-storage facilities and better export infrastructure for grapes and horticultural produce.
Residents seek improved healthcare facilities, educational institutions, road connectivity, drinking water supply and public transportation. Expansion of food-processing industries, logistics infrastructure, tourism and employment opportunities for youth remain important priorities. Sustainable water management and climate-resilient agriculture also receive increasing attention.
Constituency Insights
Cumbum combines agricultural prosperity with a thriving horticultural economy. The electorate includes grape growers, farmers, traders, exporters, dairy farmers, government employees, teachers, students and tourism-related entrepreneurs.
Agriculture and horticulture dominate the local economy, while agro-processing, transport, tourism and retail trade provide substantial employment. The constituency's strategic location near the Kerala border strengthens interstate trade and commerce. Voters generally prioritise irrigation, agricultural support, infrastructure, healthcare, education and employment opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is Cumbum Assembly Constituency located?
A: Cumbum 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 Cumbum?
A: N. Eramakrishnan of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is the current MLA of Cumbum, having won the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly election.
Q: Why is Cumbum Assembly Constituency important?
A: Cumbum is one of Tamil Nadu's leading horticultural regions and is famous for the fertile Cumbum Valley, extensive grape cultivation, proximity to the Periyar irrigation system and its role as a gateway to Kerala.
Q: What are the major economic activities in Cumbum?
A: Agriculture, horticulture, grape cultivation, agro-processing, tourism, dairy farming and retail trade are the major economic activities in the constituency.
Q: What are the major crops grown in Cumbum?
A: Grapes, paddy, banana, sugarcane, coconut, tomato and chilli are among the major crops cultivated in the constituency.
Q: Is Cumbum an urban or rural constituency?
A: Cumbum is a semi-urban and rural constituency comprising Cumbum town and the surrounding fertile villages of the Cumbum Valley.
Q: Which Lok Sabha constituency does Cumbum belong to?
A: Cumbum Assembly Constituency is part of the Theni Lok Sabha constituency.
Q: What are the key development issues in Cumbum?
A: Periyar water management, irrigation, horticultural development, cold-storage infrastructure, healthcare, education, road connectivity and employment generation are among the major concerns.
Q: Why is Cumbum famous?
A: Cumbum is famous for the Cumbum Valley, one of India's most fertile agricultural regions, and for being a major producer of grapes, earning it the title "Grape Garden of Tamil Nadu." The constituency also benefits from irrigation supplied by the Periyar Dam and serves as an important trade gateway to Kerala through Kumily.
Q: What factors influence elections in Cumbum?
A: Irrigation, Periyar water availability, horticultural development, grape growers' welfare, healthcare, education, infrastructure, cross-border trade, welfare schemes and local leadership are among the most important factors influencing elections in the constituency.