The AIADMK, led by General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, has revealed a comprehensive set of welfare commitments in anticipation of the upcoming Assembly elections. Palaniswami announced plans for direct cash aid, increased subsidies, and debt forgiveness if the party regains power. Every household in Tamil Nadu is set to receive Rs 10,000 as relief funds under the proposed government.
In addition to the cash assistance, families will be granted Rs 1,000 annually along with the customary Pongal gift hamper during the Thai Pongal festival. Palaniswami criticized the current DMK government, alleging a significant rise in essential commodity prices that has severely impacted household finances. The AIADMK also vowed to provide monthly aid of Rs 2,000 to unemployed graduates registered with employment exchanges and Rs 1,000 to Class 12 graduates.
The party pledged to increase fishing ban relief for fishermen from Rs 8,000 to Rs 12,000 and enhance free electricity quotas for handloom and powerloom weavers. Moreover, loans taken by small traders from cooperative banks would be forgiven. The proposed ‘Kulavilakku’ scheme aims to credit Rs 2,000 monthly to family heads’ bank accounts for economic stability.
AIADMK’s promises extend to the transport sector, offering free bus travel for men in city buses and continuing free travel for women. Housing initiatives include government-built homes for rural homeless individuals and apartment projects in urban areas. The party also plans to raise old-age pensions to Rs 2,000, waive educational loans, provide three free LPG cylinders yearly, and offer compensation for Jallikattu participants.
Interest-free loans for minority women entrepreneurs and debt waivers for individuals with disabilities are among the additional commitments made by the AIADMK in its second-phase election assurances.
