Nilgiris (Loksabha) representatives since 1957

The Nilgiris constituency has a stonghold of the congress party for many years. Though a Badaga populated constituency, of late its been represented by members from outside the Badaga community.

For a period of 12 years starting 2009 badagas cannot contest in the elections from the Nilgiris constituency as it has been declared by the Election commission as a SC (Scheduled Cast) constituency and only SC candidates can contest. Badagas belong to the BC (Backward Class).

Badaga	Year	Member of Parliament	Party
Yes	1957-62	C.Nanjappa	Congress
Yes	1962-67	Akkamma Devi	Congress
Yes	1967-71	Nanja Gowder	Swatantra Party
Yes	1971-77	Matha Gowder	DMK
No	1977-80	P. S Ramalingam	DMK
No	1980-84	R. Prabhu	Congress
No	1984-89	R. Prabhu	Congress
No	1989-91	R. Prabhu	Congress
No	1991-96	R. Prabhu	Congress
No	1996-98	S. R Balasubramaniyan	TMC
Yes	1998-99	Master Mathan	BJP
Yes	1999-04	Master Mathan	BJP
No	2004-2009	R. Prabhu	Congress
No	2009-	A. Raja	DMK