With the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections approaching, both the ruling DMK and the opposition AIADMK have revealed detailed election manifestos, filled with promises targeting key voter segments like women, farmers, and low-income households.
The DMK has expanded its promises from 505 in the last elections to 525 this time, while the AIADMK, vying for a comeback, has put forth 297 commitments, concentrating on welfare programs and specific subsidies.
A significant aspect of both manifestos is the focus on schemes benefiting women.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced that non-income tax-paying homemakers would receive Rs 8,000 coupons for essential household appliances. The DMK also plans to double the monthly financial aid for women from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000.
AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami has promised free refrigerators for ration card holders if his party wins. Additionally, under the ‘Kula Vilakku’ scheme, a Rs 2,000 subsidy for all family card holders has been proposed.
Both parties have made similar commitments in social welfare, including increasing old-age pensions and fishing ban relief assistance.
Stalin has suggested raising the allowance for persons with disabilities to Rs 2,500, while Palaniswami aims to increase it to Rs 2,000.
In education, the DMK plans to distribute free laptops to 35 lakh higher education students over five years. The AIADMK has a similar proposal for students in government and government-aided colleges.
Housing and rural development are key aspects of both manifestos. The DMK aims to build 10 lakh houses in five years, while the AIADMK promises free housing under the ‘Amma Illam’ scheme.
Both parties have also made promises to farmers, such as increasing the minimum support price of paddy and sugarcane.
On the healthcare front, Stalin proposes raising the income ceiling for insurance eligibility and coverage, while Palaniswami assures full government funding for major treatments.
Both parties have expressed their opposition to certain aspects of the National Education Policy and vowed to safeguard Tamil Nadu’s interests.
As election campaigning intensifies, the manifestos highlight a competitive electoral battle driven by welfare policies and populism.
