Current MLA
Current Party
Reservation
District
Electors
Latest Election
Constituency Overview
Viralimalai Assembly Constituency is located in **Pudukkottai district** of Tamil Nadu and forms part of the **Tiruchirappalli Lok Sabha constituency**. Situated in the north-western part of Pudukkottai district, the constituency is centred around the historic town of **Viralimalai**, which is renowned for the **Arulmigu Viralimalai Murugan Temple** and the **Viralimalai Peacock Sanctuary**, one of the few protected habitats for India's national bird. The constituency occupies a strategic position between **Tiruchirappalli** and **Pudukkottai**, serving as an important agricultural and commercial region.
The constituency enjoys excellent connectivity through **National Highway 38**, which links Tiruchirappalli with Madurai, along with state highways connecting surrounding towns and villages. Agriculture remains the backbone of the local economy, supported by irrigation tanks, seasonal rivers and groundwater resources. Paddy, groundnut, maize, cotton, sesame, black gram and millets are the principal crops. Dairy farming, poultry, goat rearing, agro-processing, stone quarrying, retail trade and transport services also contribute significantly to employment. Religious tourism centred on the Murugan Temple provides additional economic activity.
Location
Approximate location of Viralimalai Assembly Constituency, Pudukkottai district.
2026 Election Result
Vijayabaskar. C
Votes: 1,05,773
Murugesan. P
Votes: 43,700
Victory margin: 62,073 votes
Political History
Viralimalai has traditionally been one of the politically important constituencies in central Tamil Nadu. The constituency has witnessed electoral contests primarily between the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Indian National Congress (INC), Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) and other regional political parties.
Agriculture, irrigation, rural infrastructure, tourism, education and employment generation have consistently shaped electoral outcomes. Development of transport infrastructure and conservation of ecological resources have also emerged as important political issues.
Demographics
Population
Literacy Rate
SC Population
ST Population
Male
Female
Economy & Key Occupations
Urban / Rural
Major Sectors
Key Industries
Major Crops
Key Development Issues
Agricultural development and water conservation remain the foremost priorities in Viralimalai. Farmers seek improved irrigation facilities, desilting of tanks, groundwater recharge and better procurement facilities for agricultural produce.
Residents seek improved healthcare facilities, educational institutions, drinking water supply, road infrastructure and public transportation. Promotion of religious and eco-tourism, conservation of the Peacock Sanctuary, expansion of agro-processing industries and employment opportunities for youth remain important priorities. Sustainable environmental management and rural industrialisation also continue to receive attention.
Constituency Insights
Viralimalai combines agricultural productivity with religious and ecological significance. The electorate includes farmers, traders, tourism operators, dairy farmers, government employees, teachers, students, transport operators and small business owners.
Agriculture remains the dominant economic activity, while dairy farming, agro-processing, tourism and retail trade provide supplementary livelihoods. The constituency's strategic location on a major transport corridor and its tourism potential contribute to regional economic growth. Voters generally prioritise irrigation, agricultural support, infrastructure, healthcare, education, tourism development and employment opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is Viralimalai Assembly Constituency located?
A: Viralimalai Assembly Constituency is located in Pudukkottai district of Tamil Nadu and forms part of the Tiruchirappalli Lok Sabha constituency.
Q: Who is the current MLA of Viralimalai?
A: C. Vijaya Baskar of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) is the current MLA of Viralimalai, having won the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly election. He previously served as Tamil Nadu's Minister for Health.
Q: Why is Viralimalai Assembly Constituency important?
A: Viralimalai is known for the Viralimalai Murugan Temple, the Viralimalai Peacock Sanctuary, its agricultural economy and its strategic location between Tiruchirappalli and Pudukkottai.
Q: What are the major economic activities in Viralimalai?
A: Agriculture, religious tourism, dairy farming, agro-processing, transport, retail trade and small industries are the major economic activities in the constituency.
Q: What are the major crops grown in Viralimalai?
A: Paddy, groundnut, maize, cotton, sesame, black gram and millets are among the major crops cultivated in the constituency.
Q: Is Viralimalai an urban or rural constituency?
A: Viralimalai is a semi-urban and rural constituency comprising Viralimalai town and numerous surrounding agricultural villages.
Q: Which Lok Sabha constituency does Viralimalai belong to?
A: Viralimalai Assembly Constituency is part of the Tiruchirappalli Lok Sabha constituency.
Q: What are the key development issues in Viralimalai?
A: Irrigation, agricultural development, healthcare, education, rural infrastructure, tourism promotion, environmental conservation and employment generation are among the major concerns.
Q: Why is Viralimalai famous?
A: Viralimalai is famous for the Arulmigu Viralimalai Murugan Temple, an important hill temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, and the Viralimalai Peacock Sanctuary, which protects one of Tamil Nadu's largest free-ranging peacock populations and is a major eco-tourism attraction.
Q: What factors influence elections in Viralimalai?
A: Agricultural development, irrigation, tourism, infrastructure, healthcare, education, employment opportunities, welfare schemes, environmental conservation and local leadership are among the most important factors influencing elections in the constituency.