AIADMK Unveils Comprehensive Election Manifesto with Key Welfare Promises
In a significant move ahead of the assembly elections, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami released the party's manifesto on Tuesday, outlining a detailed roadmap for governance with 297 assurances across 31 categories. Dubbed "Paathukappana Tamilagam, Paarpotrum Valarchi" (Safe Tamil Nadu, laudable growth), the document aims to address the needs of every individual in the state, according to EPS.
Major Welfare Initiatives Announced
The manifesto includes several high-impact promises, such as distributing free refrigerators to approximately 2.22 crore rice ration card holders across Tamil Nadu. This initiative targets a vast segment of the population, aiming to enhance household convenience and food storage capabilities.
Additionally, the party has committed to increasing the reservation for government school students clearing the NEET exam from 7.5% to 10%, a move expected to benefit numerous aspiring medical professionals. EPS emphasized that this enhancement would open more opportunities for students from government schools to pursue medical education.
Financial and Social Benefits
Key financial promises include doubling the monthly cash distribution for women from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 and providing a one-time relief of ₹10,000 to help families cope with rising prices. The manifesto also extends free bus travel to men, mirroring a benefit previously introduced for women by the DMK government.
In the agricultural sector, AIADMK has pledged to fix the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for paddy at ₹3,500 per quintal and ensure a remunerative price of ₹4,500 per tonne for sugarcane. Crop loans availed through cooperative societies will be waived, offering relief to farmers.
Healthcare and Infrastructure Developments
The healthcare promises feature bringing IVF treatment under the chief minister's health insurance scheme, making advanced reproductive treatments more accessible. For infrastructure, plans include setting up an international cricket stadium in Coimbatore, expediting metro rail projects in Madurai and Coimbatore, and fast-tracking a metro link between Kelambakkam and Chennai International Airport.
To promote renewable energy, households installing solar panels will receive a subsidy of up to ₹30,000 for a 1 kW unit. The manifesto also highlights the establishment of an exclusive anti-drug task force to combat ganja and other contraband in the state.
Notable Changes from Previous Manifesto
Some assurances from the 2021 assembly elections, such as free washing machines, are absent in this manifesto. The promise of free LPG cylinders has been scaled down from six per year to three per year. EPS described the current manifesto as the "hero of the election," focusing on practical and impactful measures.
Other commitments include compensation of ₹25 lakh for fishermen who die during fishing expeditions, underscoring the party's attention to diverse community needs. The manifesto positions AIADMK as a party ready to address both immediate relief and long-term development in Tamil Nadu.
