AIADMK Unveils Major Welfare Promises Ahead of Tamil Nadu Elections
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami made significant announcements on Saturday, outlining his party's vision if it returns to power in the upcoming assembly election. Speaking at the AIADMK headquarters in Chennai, Palaniswami paid floral tribute to party founder M G Ramachandran on his 109th birth anniversary before revealing a series of pre-poll assurances.
Extending Free Bus Travel to Men
Palaniswami declared that the AIADMK would extend the existing free bus travel scheme for women to include men as well. The current scheme, known as 'Magalir Vidiyal Payanam Thittam', was launched by the ruling DMK government. Palaniswami assured that women would continue to enjoy free travel under this program.
Former minister B Valarmathi, a member of the AIADMK's manifesto committee, defended this move. She stated that the party aims to avoid discrimination and does not wish to leave anyone out based on gender.
Financial Assistance and Housing Schemes
Unveiling the first of five promises in the initial phase, Palaniswami announced the 'Kula Vilakku Thittam'. This scheme would provide ₹2,000 every month to each ration card holder. The amount would be credited directly to the bank account of the woman head of the family.
This announcement directly counters the DMK government's flagship 'Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai' scheme, which benefits over 1.15 crore women in the state.
Palaniswami also guaranteed free housing for all under the 'Amma Illam Thittam'. This initiative resembles the existing 'Kalaignar Kanavu Illam Thittam' and would assist landless and homeless people in both rural and urban areas.
He specified that the government would acquire land and construct houses for young men from joint families belonging to Scheduled Caste communities. This would enable them to establish separate households after marriage.
Additional Welfare Measures
Another key announcement targeted women voters, who often play a decisive role in electoral outcomes. Under the 'Amma Iruchakkara Vaganam Valangum Thittam', a subsidy of ₹25,000 would be provided to five lakh women to help them purchase two-wheelers.
Palaniswami further promised to enhance the number of workdays under the guaranteed rural employment scheme from 100 to 150 days. This increase aims to boost rural development across Tamil Nadu.
Addressing Financial Concerns
Responding to questions about the financial implications of providing ₹2,000 per month to more than two crore ration cardholders, Palaniswami defended his promise. He asserted that the AIADMK possesses the ability and talent to manage state finances effectively.
S Semmalai, another member of the manifesto committee, elaborated on this point. He acknowledged that the announcements would create an additional financial burden. However, he expressed confidence in managing it through a cordial relationship with the alliance partner, the BJP-led government at the Centre.
Semmalai indicated that the AIADMK government would seek a special package from the Centre, similar to those granted to Bihar and Andhra Pradesh. He also emphasized a focus on capital investment to boost infrastructure and enhance the state's own revenue.
Future Announcements
Palaniswami revealed that the party's manifesto committee is currently touring the state to gather public inputs. He stated that comprehensive pre-poll promises would be announced after completing this exercise.
The AIADMK's announcements set the stage for a competitive election campaign, with welfare schemes emerging as a central theme. These promises aim to address various sections of society, from urban commuters to rural workers and women beneficiaries.
