The taluk has seen a peculiar trend of late. It has been witnessing a decrease in the number of Tamil voters. This came to light during the revision of voters’ list in Dharmapur zilla panchayat.

The migration of Tamils is not new. In the past ten years, more than 300 Tamil families have left the taluk. Last year alone, six families left the taluk. Now, six more Tamil families are contemplating a similar move.  It all started when Tamils started migrating following atrocities during the Cauvery riots 1990. However, they left their children behind in Tamil Nadu and returned after a while.

However, the land boom has come as a blessing for them. Many have sold lands and returning to Tamil Nadu. As land prices are skyrocketing in Bangalore, Mysore and surrounding areas, they are turning to Hunsur as it costs around Rs 5 lakh to Rs 6 lakh per acre here.

Tamils have been staying in Tarikal, Hundimala and Padukote for more than 50 years. They used to do manual labour for many years. However, during the tenure of former Chief Minister Devaraj Urs, they were provided with all facilities.

All was fine till the Cauvery riots happened, says former Tarikal gram panchayat member Selvakannan. Palani Swami came from Tamil Nadu during 1964-65, lives alone here. His children are studying in Tamil Nadu.