Residents of Chennai's Virugambakkam constituency are demanding better healthcare, infrastructure, and public amenities ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly election. Local welfare associations have pointed to issues including the lack of round-the-clock government hospitals, sewer overflows, and footpath encroachments. Traders at the Koyambakkam market seek piped drinking water after nearly two decades.
Virugambakkam and surrounding areas are among Chennai's fast-developing neighbourhoods, home to the Koyambedu Wholesale Market Complex and Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G.R. Bus Terminus.
S. Arumainathan, president of the Virugambakkam Residents Welfare Association, stated there are no round-the-clock government hospitals in this densely populated area serving diverse groups including daily wage labourers. The local health centre operates only until 3 p.m. and lacks a labour ward, forcing residents to travel to Kodambakkam or Kilpauk for deliveries, he added, demanding an upgrade to a full government hospital.
Residents seek pattas for poramboke lands in areas like Bharathiyar Nagar, fixes for sewer blockages requiring three mini pumping stations, public libraries, and a foot overbridge with escalators near the Koyambedu flyover. S. Chandran, president of the Koyambedu Wholesale Market Licensed Merchants’ Association, noted that piped drinking water has been absent for over 3,000 shops selling fruits, flowers, and vegetables for nearly two decades.
In K.K. Nagar, K.S. Rajendran, president of the local Residents Welfare Association, highlighted footpath encroachments by eateries on streets like Ramasamy Street. K. Elangoo, a resident and legal advisor, said nearly 10 schools operate nearby, endangering children, with court orders for clearances unimplemented.
The constituency, formed in 2008, saw DMDK win in 2011, AIADMK in 2016, and DMK in 2021. Incumbent DMK MLA A.M.V. Prabhakara Raja faces former AIADMK MLA Virugai V.N. Ravi.
