Deputy Chief Minister and DMK candidate Udhayanidhi Stalin conducted a high-profile campaign in the Chepauk assembly constituency as Tamil Nadu Assembly elections approach.
Accompanied by numerous party workers, Udhayanidhi Stalin engaged with local residents in Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni, from where he is contesting in the polls scheduled for April 23, with results to be declared on May 4. The election covers a total of 234 constituencies.
The DMK, contesting 164 seats, heads the Secular Progressive Alliance, which faces the AIADMK-led NDA in the state.
On the previous day, Udhayanidhi Stalin, who is the son of Chief Minister MK Stalin, conducted a roadshow en route to file his nomination at the Returning Officer’s office. He is the incumbent MLA from Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni and is contesting against AIADMK candidate Adhirajaram.
Addressing reporters, Udhayanidhi Stalin stated, “We will create history, we will definitely win this time. Our leader will become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for the second time.”
In the 2021 elections, he won over Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) candidate AVA Kassali by a margin of 69,355 votes.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Deputy Chief Minister announced an Rs 8,000 coupon scheme to assist residents in purchasing essential household items such as televisions and refrigerators. He noted that laptops have already been distributed to one million college students.
He said, “Coupons worth Rs 8000 would be provided, enabling people to purchase essential household items such as TVs, refrigerators, and washing machines. While laptops were earlier distributed to school students, under the Dravidian model government, laptops have been provided to 10 lakh college students.”
This initiative was positioned as a response to AIADMK’s manifesto promise of offering refrigerators.
The DMK has also pledged to increase the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai to Rs 2,000 per month, with new beneficiaries added annually, and to continue free bus travel for women through the Vidiyal Payanam scheme.
The Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme will be expanded up to Class 8. Additionally, families will receive an “Illa Tharasi” coupon worth Rs 8,000 for women to purchase household items, and medical coverage will be extended up to Rs 10 lakh, including families earning up to Rs 5 lakh annually. Pensions for senior citizens, widows, and unmarried women over 50 years will be increased to Rs 2,000 per month.
Meanwhile, the AIADMK released its election manifesto, led by Leader of Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly and General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, promising Rs 2,000 monthly to female heads of households.
Palaniswami unveiled a manifesto including 297 promises, among them financial assistance of Rs 10,000 per family to mitigate tax burdens and rising commodity prices.
He promised the ‘Kula Vilakku Scheme’ for women, articulating, “To foster economic equilibrium within society, a monthly assistance allowance of Rs 2,000 will be provided to all ration cardholders through the ‘Kula Vilakku Scheme.’ This amount will be deposited directly into the bank account of the female head of the household.”
The AIADMK has also committed to providing ration card holders with lentils alongside rice, as well as refrigerators.