Chennai, March 30: As the Tamil Nadu assembly elections approach, the ruling DMK and the opposition AIADMK have released their election manifestos. These documents are filled with welfare promises aimed at key voter groups, particularly women and farmers.
The DMK has increased its commitments from 505 in the 2021 elections to 525 this time. Meanwhile, the AIADMK, seeking to regain power, has focused on welfare schemes and targeted subsidies with 297 promises.
A significant aspect of both manifestos is the emphasis on women-centric initiatives. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced that households not paying income tax will receive coupons worth ₹8,000 to purchase or upgrade essential household appliances. Additionally, the DMK has pledged to double the monthly financial assistance for women from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000.
On the other hand, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami promised free refrigerators to ration card holders if the party comes to power. Furthermore, under the ‘Kula Vilakku’ scheme, the AIADMK proposed a ₹2,000 subsidy for all family cardholders, presenting it as a direct benefit for families across the state.
Both parties have made similar commitments in the social welfare sector. They have assured an increase in the old-age pension from ₹1,200 to ₹2,000 and an increase in relief assistance related to fishing bans from ₹8,000 to ₹12,000.
For persons with disabilities, Stalin proposed raising the allowance to ₹2,500, while Palaniswami committed to increasing it to ₹2,000.
In the education sector, the DMK has vowed to distribute free laptops to 3.5 million students pursuing higher education over the next five years. The AIADMK has made a similar promise, offering laptops to students in government and government-aided colleges.
Both manifestos prioritize housing and rural development. The DMK has committed to building 1 million homes within five years, while the AIADMK has promised free housing for homeless families under its ‘Amma Illam’ scheme.
Key promises for farmers include raising the minimum support price for paddy to ₹3,500 per quintal and for sugarcane to ₹4,500 per ton.
In healthcare, Stalin proposed increasing the income limit for insurance eligibility to ₹5 lakh and coverage to ₹10 lakh, while Palaniswami assured full government funding for major treatments like heart surgery and cancer care.
Both parties reiterated their opposition to certain aspects of the National Education Policy and committed to safeguarding Tamil Nadu’s rights. They also pledged to work towards bringing education back under the state list.
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S.A.K./P.M.
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