Farmers in Cumbum, part of Theni district, Tamil Nadu, are voicing their discontent with politicians who they claim only make promises regarding the Mullaperiyar dam during election periods. Ponkatchi Kannan, a member of the Periyar Vaigai Paasana Vivasayigal Sangam, highlighted the lack of visits and tangible actions from Tamil Nadu officials since May 2021, contrasting it with the active involvement of Kerala officials in addressing local concerns. The farmers argue that despite receiving water from the dam due to favorable monsoon conditions, the Tamil Nadu government has failed to enhance the storage level and address ongoing issues, such as human-elephant conflicts and agricultural support facilities. While MLA N. Ramakrishnan has been recognized for health initiatives and infrastructure improvements, farmers feel their agricultural struggles remain unaddressed. Opposition parties, including the AIADMK, are gaining traction by promising to resolve these issues, reflecting a growing dissatisfaction with the ruling DMK's performance. The farmers are advocating for better facilities, including cold storage and industrial estates, to improve their livelihoods and reduce youth migration from the region.