Tamil Nadu Political Clash Over Rs 5,000 Summer Grant Ahead of Elections
In a sharp political confrontation, Tamil Nadu's ruling DMK government and opposition AIADMK have clashed over a recently announced financial assistance scheme, with accusations of election-time maneuvering dominating the discourse.
DMK's Special Summer Grant Distribution
Chief Minister M K Stalin's administration has credited a 'Special Summer Grant' of Rs 5,000 to approximately 1.31 crore beneficiaries under the Kalaignar Urimai Thogai welfare scheme. This move came alongside an announcement enhancing the monthly assistance from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 as part of the government's poll promises.
Opposition Leader's Scathing Criticism
Leader of Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami, commonly known as EPS, dismissed the initiative as a last-minute "election-time cash transfer" driven by fear of electoral defeat. In a social media post on Friday, the AIADMK general secretary questioned the timing of the decision, asking, "Have you seen what the fear of electoral defeat is making the CM do?"
EPS pointedly wondered why no similar summer package was announced in 2024 or 2025, suggesting the current distribution was strategically timed for electoral advantage rather than genuine welfare concern.
Refuting Allegations of External Interference
The opposition leader refuted Chief Minister Stalin's allegation that a "gang in Delhi" and its "subservient forces" in Tamil Nadu were attempting to stall the Kalaignar Urimai Thogai scheme citing elections. "No one tried to block any welfare measure," EPS asserted, describing the CM's claims as theatrical and amusing.
Historical Implementation Delays Highlighted
Stepping up his attack, Palaniswami alleged that the DMK regime delayed implementation of the scheme for 28 months after assuming office in 2021. He claimed that since its launch in September 2023, the government has disbursed Rs 34,000 in total to beneficiaries, while each family suffered a minimum loss of Rs 3.5 lakh during the implementation delay period.
Political Context and Campaign Dynamics
EPS contended that the sudden announcement reflected the ruling party's anxiety over the AIADMK's ongoing door-to-door campaign, 'Vidiyal Aatchi, Veetu Bill Saatchi'. This campaign aims to highlight what he described as the "true cost" borne by households under the present administration.
Questioning the government's credibility, the opposition leader said Tamil Nadu had been reduced to a state where women—from young girls to elderly mothers—felt unsafe. He asked whether they would trust what he termed a "patchwork" financial gesture timed ahead of elections.
Alternative Welfare Promise
Asserting that the AIADMK would return to power with the people's mandate, EPS reiterated his party's promise to implement the 'Kula Vilakku Thittam'. Under this scheme, Rs 2,000 per month would be provided to every ration card holder upon formation of the next government.
The political exchange highlights the intensifying pre-election atmosphere in Tamil Nadu, with welfare schemes becoming central battlegrounds between the state's two major political forces.
