BJP leader A.N.S. Prasad criticized actor-politician Vijay’s election manifesto, calling it unrealistic and fiscally irresponsible. Prasad raised concerns over the lack of a credible roadmap for implementing the proposed welfare schemes, estimating a cost of at least Rs 6 lakh crore. He warned that pursuing such commitments without clear funding strategies could strain Tamil Nadu’s finances and impact future development expenditure.
Prasad highlighted what he termed as “populist giveaways” in the manifesto, including financial assistance, gold for brides, loan waivers, and unemployment benefits. While acknowledging the importance of welfare measures, he emphasized the need for fiscal prudence and sustainable revenue models to prevent long-term economic stress.
The BJP leader drew parallels with the 2021 Assembly elections, criticizing Chief Minister M. K. Stalin and the ruling DMK for unfulfilled promises due to financial constraints. He expressed concerns that the TVK manifesto lacks a structured vision for key sectors like agriculture, rural development, industrial growth, and employment generation.
Positioning the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) as a viable alternative, the BJP advocated for a “double-engine government” led by AIADMK’s Edappadi K. Palaniswami and supported by PM Modi. They promised to prioritize fiscal discipline, infrastructure growth, and inclusive development.
As the campaign intensifies before the April 23 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, political parties are increasingly focusing on manifesto promises to influence voter perception. TVK has not responded to the BJP’s criticism.
