Latha. T, MLA for Kilvelurwww.knowyourmla.com

Kilvelur

SC

Nagapattinam· Assembly Constituency No. 164

MLA: Latha. T

Last updated:

Current MLA

Current Party

CPI(M)

Reservation

Scheduled Caste (SC)

District

Nagapattinam

Electors

Latest Election

2026

Constituency Overview

Kilvelur (SC) Assembly Constituency is located in **Nagapattinam district** of Tamil Nadu and forms part of the **Nagapattinam (SC) Lok Sabha constituency**. Reserved for **Scheduled Caste (SC)** candidates, the constituency is situated in the fertile **Cauvery Delta** and is centred around the historic town of Kilvelur. The region is characterised by its extensive paddy fields, irrigation canals, ancient temples and predominantly rural settlements. Agriculture has shaped the constituency's economy and culture for centuries.

The constituency enjoys good connectivity through state highways linking it with Nagapattinam, Thiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai and Karaikal, along with access to the Nagapattinam railway network. Agriculture is the backbone of the local economy, supported by irrigation from the **Cauvery River** and its distributaries. Paddy is the principal crop, while black gram, green gram, sesame, sugarcane, coconut and banana are also widely cultivated. Dairy farming, inland fisheries, poultry, agro-processing, handloom weaving and rural trade provide additional sources of employment.

Location

Approximate location of Kilvelur Assembly Constituency, Nagapattinam district.

Kilvelur Assembly Constituency, Tamil NaduOpen in Google Maps

2026 Election Result

WinnerCPI(M)

Latha. T

Votes: 56,108

Runner-upTVK

Senthil Pandian. P

Votes: 53,830

Victory margin: 2,278 votes

Political History

Kilvelur has traditionally been one of the politically important Scheduled Caste reserved constituencies in the Cauvery Delta. The constituency has witnessed electoral contests primarily between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), Communist Party of India (CPI), Indian National Congress (INC), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and other regional political parties.

Agriculture, Cauvery water management, Scheduled Caste welfare, rural infrastructure, employment generation and farmers' welfare have consistently shaped electoral outcomes. The constituency's agrarian economy makes irrigation one of the most significant political issues.

Demographics

Population

5,05,000

Literacy Rate

80.6%

SC Population

31.4%

ST Population

0.3%

Male

49.5%

Female

50.5%

Economy & Key Occupations

Urban / Rural

Predominantly Rural

Major Sectors

AgricultureDairy FarmingInland FisheriesAgro ProcessingHandloom WeavingRetail and Wholesale TradeGovernment Services

Key Industries

Rice MillsAgro ProcessingDairy ProcessingFood ProcessingHandloom WeavingFish ProcessingService Industries

Major Crops

PaddyBlack GramGreen GramSesameSugarcaneBananaCoconut

Key Development Issues

Agricultural development and irrigation remain the foremost priorities in Kilvelur. Farmers seek assured Cauvery water releases, desilting of irrigation canals, modernisation of drainage systems and better procurement facilities for paddy and other crops.

Residents seek improved healthcare facilities, educational institutions, rural roads, drinking water supply and public transportation. Expansion of agro-processing industries, dairy development, rural employment and skill development for youth remain important priorities. Scheduled Caste welfare and flood management also continue to receive significant attention.

Constituency Insights

Kilvelur combines fertile agriculture with a strong rural economy. The electorate includes farmers, Scheduled Caste communities, agricultural labourers, dairy farmers, traders, government employees, teachers, students and small business owners.

Agriculture remains the dominant economic activity, while dairy farming, inland fisheries, agro-processing and rural trade provide supplementary livelihoods. The constituency's dependence on Cauvery irrigation makes water availability central to both economic development and electoral politics. Voters generally prioritise irrigation, agricultural support, Scheduled Caste welfare, infrastructure, healthcare, education and employment opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where is Kilvelur Assembly Constituency located?

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

Q: Is Kilvelur a reserved constituency?

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

Q: Who is the current MLA of Kilvelur?

A: V. P. Nagaimaali of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is the current MLA of Kilvelur, having won the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly election.

Q: Why is Kilvelur Assembly Constituency important?

A: Kilvelur is an important Cauvery Delta constituency known for its highly productive paddy cultivation, irrigation-based agriculture and significant Scheduled Caste population.

Q: What are the major economic activities in Kilvelur?

A: Agriculture, dairy farming, inland fisheries, agro-processing, handloom weaving, retail trade and government services are the major economic activities in the constituency.

Q: What are the major crops grown in Kilvelur?

A: Paddy, black gram, green gram, sesame, sugarcane, banana and coconut are among the major crops cultivated in the constituency.

Q: Is Kilvelur an urban or rural constituency?

A: Kilvelur is a predominantly rural constituency comprising Kilvelur town and numerous surrounding agricultural villages.

Q: Which Lok Sabha constituency does Kilvelur belong to?

A: Kilvelur Assembly Constituency is part of the Nagapattinam (SC) Lok Sabha constituency.

Q: What are the key development issues in Kilvelur?

A: Cauvery water management, irrigation, agricultural development, Scheduled Caste welfare, flood management, healthcare, education, rural infrastructure and employment generation are among the major concerns.

Q: Why is irrigation important in Kilvelur?

A: Located in the Cauvery Delta, Kilvelur depends heavily on canal irrigation for paddy cultivation. Timely release of Cauvery water and maintenance of irrigation canals are essential for sustaining agriculture and rural livelihoods.

Q: What factors influence elections in Kilvelur?

A: Agricultural development, Cauvery water availability, Scheduled Caste welfare, irrigation, rural infrastructure, healthcare, education, welfare schemes and local leadership are among the most important factors influencing elections in the constituency.

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