Tamil Nadu election 2026: Tribespeople take up arduous trek to polling stations in Valparai constituency

Challenging terrain and lack of transportation failed to prevent voters from tribal settlements in Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) from exercising their franchise at polling stations in Valparai (R) Assembly constituency on Thursday (April 23).

Members of the Pulaiyar community from Keel Poonachi tribal settlement cast their votes at Attakatti on Valparai–Pollachi Road. Of the 286 voters listed in the polling station, most are tribals from Keel Poonachi and Upper Aliyar settlements and staff from the electricity board quarters.