lthough Ariyalur and Jayamkondam regions are blessed with rich in minerals, the later is lagging behind in terms of overall development. Ariyalur district, which is known as land of cement, has carved a niche in the industrial map thanks to the functioning of several industries including eight major cement industries.
If the Ariyalur region is blessed with huge reserves of limestone, sand stone, fire clay, and others, lignite reserves are abundant in Jayamkondam region in Udayarpalayam taluk. While many industries have come up in Ariyalur region by tapping the natural reserves in the past, the industrial growth has not spread to Jayamkondam region.
The land in Jayamkondam region may be arid. But, it is said that it has potential to transform the economically backward region as industrially rich. In the absence of any notable ventures by the government, the people, who have left with no other options, depend on cashew nut and vegetable cultivations for the livelihood. A section of them go to Ariyalur for jobs.
The Udayarpalayam taluk accounts for more than 50 per cent of cashew nut orchards in the district. Although the crop is drought resistant, farmers say they faced tough situation due to extreme drought situation during the last few years, except 2015, impacting the yield.
The failure of successive governments to exploit the lignite reserve and drinking water crisis are among the major election issues in the Jayamkondam constituency. Many voters recollect the proposal mooted by the State government about 20 years ago to start a lignite mining and power generation project.
However, the project still remains on paper although the successive governments did make serious attempts to revive. Hundreds of acres were acquired for the project. Several formative steps had been made by the gGovernments. However, the project has not become a reality.
There is a grouse among the people that compensation for land acquisition has not been settled to them for so long. They rue that the successive governments and elected representatives have failed to take concrete steps to find out a viable method to tap the natural resources so as to create job opportunities for the people of Jayamkondam.
Caste plays an important role in the outcome of results of Jayamkondam constituency. Vanniyars, Mudaliyars, and Udaiyars are dominant in it. The Scheduled Caste voters are a force to reckon with in the constituency to an extent.
With the nomination of J. Guru, MLA and president of the Vanniyar Sangam, the constituency has attained star category. Although the BJP alliance and the Nam Tamilar Katchi have put up candidates, the constituency is witnessing a four-cornered contest between the AIADMK, PMK, MDMK, and the Congress. While the AIADMK has nominated J.K.N. Ramajeyalingam, the Congress, an ally of the DMK, has fielded G. Rajendran. On behalf of the DMDK-PWF-TMC alliance, M.S. Kandasamy of the MDMK is in the fray.
While the DMK has won four times since 1967, the candidates of AIADMK have emerged victorious three times. Similarly, the Congress has won thrice. The PMK won in 2011.
Although the PMK has re-nominated Mr. Guru, he had lost in 2006 and 1996. He hopes to garner voters of all castes in addition to Vanniyar voters. However, has to overcome the anti-incumbency as he is the MLA. However, the PMK men hope that Mr. Guru will notch up a victory again.
The AIADMK candidate works hard to win the confidence of voters by highlighting the welfare measures and achievements of the AIADMK government. Similarly, Mr. Kandasamy of the MDMK and Mr. Rajendran of the Congress have proved that they are not inferior to the AIADMK and the PMK candidates. The last minute polarisation of votes appears to play a role in the outcome of the elections as far as Jayamkondam constituency is concerned. By all available indications, the constituency is set to witness a photo finish.
