www.knowyourmla.comTenkasi
SCTenkasi · Lok Sabha Constituency No. 37
Dr Rani SrikumarDMK
Current MP
Party
Reservation
Parliamentary Constituency No.
District
Overview
Tenkasi Lok Sabha Constituency is one of the 39 parliamentary constituencies in Tamil Nadu and is reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC). Located in the southwestern part of the state along the Kerala border, the constituency covers the entire Tenkasi district and adjoining areas. Nestled at the foothills of the Western Ghats, it is one of Tamil Nadu's most scenic parliamentary constituencies, known for its rich agricultural landscape, waterfalls, pilgrimage centres and biodiversity.
The constituency derives its name from Tenkasi town, often referred to as the **"Kasi of South India"**, owing to the historic :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}. The region is also home to the famous :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}, one of South India's most popular tourist destinations, attracting millions of visitors every year. Agriculture, horticulture, tourism, handloom weaving, food processing and small-scale industries form the backbone of the local economy. The Western Ghats provide abundant natural resources, making the constituency an important centre for biodiversity conservation and eco-tourism.
Lok Sabha Constituency Number
Parliamentary Constituency No: 37
Reservation Status
Scheduled Caste (SC)
Assembly Segments
The Tenkasi Lok Sabha Constituency comprises the following six Assembly constituencies:
- Tenkasi - Alangulam - Ambasamudram - Kadayanallur - Vasudevanallur (SC) - Sankarankovil (SC)
2024 Lok Sabha Result
Dr Rani Srikumar
Votes: 4,25,679
Dr K Krishnasamy
Votes: 2,29,480
Victory margin: 1,96,199 votes
2024 Voter Turnout
Turnout
Votes Polled
Total Electors
2019 Lok Sabha Result
Dhanush M. Kumar
Votes: 4,76,156
Dr. K. Krishnasamy
Votes: 3,55,389
Victory margin: 1,20,767 votes
Electoral History
Winners of past Lok Sabha general elections in this constituency.
| Year | Winner | Party |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Dr Rani Srikumar | DMK |
| 2019 | Dhanush M. Kumar | DMK |
2019 → 2024 Comparison
DMK held this seat across both elections. Winning margin widened by 75,432 votes.
Political History
Tenkasi has traditionally been one of the politically significant Scheduled Caste-reserved parliamentary constituencies in southern Tamil Nadu. The constituency has witnessed electoral contests involving the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), Communist Party of India (CPI), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Indian National Congress and other regional parties.
Agriculture, irrigation, Scheduled Caste welfare, tourism development, rural infrastructure and employment generation have consistently shaped electoral politics. The constituency reflects the socio-economic priorities of both farming communities and rapidly growing tourism centres.
Development Issues
Water management and irrigation remain among the constituency's foremost priorities. Farmers seek improved irrigation infrastructure, restoration of traditional tanks, groundwater conservation and better market access for horticultural produce.
Tourism infrastructure requires continued investment, particularly around Courtallam and other eco-tourism destinations. Residents seek improved healthcare facilities, educational institutions, road connectivity and employment opportunities. Environmental conservation of the Western Ghats and mitigation of human-wildlife conflict also remain important public concerns.
Constituency Insights
Tenkasi is one of Tamil Nadu's most environmentally rich parliamentary constituencies. The electorate includes farmers, plantation workers, tourism operators, traders, teachers, government employees, students and small business owners. Agriculture and tourism remain the principal drivers of the local economy, while horticulture and small-scale industries contribute significantly to employment.
The constituency's political priorities revolve around agriculture, irrigation, tourism, Scheduled Caste welfare, infrastructure development and environmental conservation. Its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage gives it a distinctive identity in Tamil Nadu.
Demographics
Population
Literacy Rate
SC Population
ST Population
Male
Female
Economy & Key Occupations
Urban / Rural
Major Sectors
Key Industries
Major Crops
Location
Tenkasi Lok Sabha Constituency, Tenkasi district.
Districts Covered
Districts that this Lok Sabha constituency spans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is Tenkasi Lok Sabha Constituency located?
A: Tenkasi Lok Sabha Constituency is located in southwestern Tamil Nadu along the Kerala border and covers the entire Tenkasi district.
Q: Is Tenkasi a reserved constituency?
A: Yes. Tenkasi is a Scheduled Caste (SC) reserved parliamentary constituency.
Q: Who is the current Member of Parliament from Tenkasi?
A: :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4} of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is the current Member of Parliament, elected in the 2024 Lok Sabha election.
Q: Why is Tenkasi Lok Sabha Constituency important?
A: Tenkasi is renowned for Courtallam Falls, the Kasi Viswanathar Temple, its fertile agricultural lands and the scenic Western Ghats.
Q: What are the major economic activities in Tenkasi?
A: Agriculture, tourism, horticulture, handloom weaving, food processing and trade are the major economic activities.
Q: Which Assembly constituencies are part of Tenkasi Lok Sabha Constituency?
A: Tenkasi, Alangulam, Ambasamudram, Kadayanallur, Vasudevanallur and Sankarankovil.
Q: What are the major crops grown in Tenkasi?
A: Paddy, banana, coconut, cotton, chilli, mango and black gram are among the major crops cultivated across the constituency.
Q: What are the key development issues in Tenkasi?
A: Irrigation, tourism infrastructure, agricultural development, healthcare, education, rural roads, employment generation and environmental conservation are among the major concerns.
Q: Why is Courtallam famous?
A: Courtallam is one of South India's most popular hill destinations, known for its natural waterfalls, medicinal waters and eco-tourism, attracting visitors from across the country.
Q: What factors influence elections in Tenkasi?
A: Agricultural development, irrigation, Scheduled Caste welfare, tourism promotion, infrastructure improvements, employment opportunities and local leadership are among the most important factors influencing elections in the constituency.