Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader MK Stalin unveiled the party's manifesto for the upcoming state assembly elections on January 31, announcing expanded welfare measures including the extension of the breakfast scheme and doubling financial assistance under the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam to Rs 2,000 per woman.
Speaking at a press conference in Chennai, Stalin highlighted Tamil Nadu’s development under the Dravidian governance model, stating, “Tamil Nadu has emerged as a leading state under the Dravidian model of governance, with several welfare schemes benefiting the public. DMK will form the government for the seventh time with continued public support. No other state in India has implemented welfare schemes as successfully as Tamil Nadu.”
Stalin detailed a long-term 10-year vision centred on the welfare and development of the people. He accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to obstruct the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai Scheme during the election period but asserted that the scheme has nonetheless benefited approximately 1.3 crore families with Rs 5,000 financial assistance provided so far.
He said, “The BJP attempted to obstruct the implementation of Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai Thittam…Despite challenges, he said the scheme has benefited around 1 crore 30 lakh families, with financial assistance of Rs 5,000 provided to beneficiaries. The DMK government remains committed to continuing and expanding welfare initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the people.”
The manifesto proposes expanding the breakfast scheme to cover 15 lakh students up to Class 8, increasing financial assistance under the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 for each woman, providing free pump sets for farmers without meters, raising aid under the Puthumai Penn and Tamil Pudhalvan schemes from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 per student, enhancing old-age pensions to Rs 2,000, and increasing pensions for persons with disabilities to Rs 2,500.