Vijay questions CM Stalin on 'Summer Special' Scheme: Claims growing support for TVK fuels DMK fear
Chennai: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay on Friday targeted Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin over the announcement of a ₹2,000 “summer special package” and advance disbursal under the Kalaignar Women’s Rights Scheme, alleging that the move was triggered by growing support for his party among women voters.
In a post on X, Vijay questioned why the monthly assistance, typically credited on the 15th, was deposited on the 13th this month and why a special financial package was introduced suddenly.
“How was it suddenly announced that the new summer special package is Rs 2000? Is summer coming only this year or what? The women's rights amount, which is usually credited on the 15th of every month, why is it being credited and announced specifically today, on the 13th?” he asked, in remarks that sharpen political tensions ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026.
Vijay alleges DMK ‘fear’ over women’s support for TVK
The TVK leader claimed that rising public response to his party, particularly among women, had unsettled the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. Referring to TVK’s whistle symbol, Vijay said the “wave of applause” from women had created fear within the DMK.
He described TVK as the “people’s power” capable of compelling the government to act and asserted that the announcement confirmed that the DMK viewed TVK as its principal political rival.
Vijay further promised that, if voted to power, his party would implement welfare measures with “genuine care” rather than political expediency.
Stalin announces ₹5,000 total credit for beneficiaries
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Stalin announced that ₹3,000 was credited in advance for February, March and April under the Kalaignar Women’s Rights Scheme, along with an additional ₹2,000 as a summer special package. The total disbursal amounts to ₹5,000 this month for 1.31 crore women beneficiaries across Tamil Nadu.
Stalin alleged that “some” were attempting to obstruct the grant by citing elections, but said his government ensured advance payment to avoid any disruption. He also promised that, if re-elected, the monthly assistance would be doubled from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 under what he termed “Dravidian Model 2.0”.
Election heat intensifies ahead of 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly polls
TVK is holding an election meeting at Seelanayakkanpatti in Salem under tight security, where Vijay is scheduled to address 4,998 attendees.
The 234-member Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly is expected to go to the polls in the first half of 2026, with political activity intensifying across the state.
In the 2021 Assembly elections, the DMK won 133 seats, while Congress secured 18 seats. The AIADMK won 66 seats. The Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), led by the DMK and comprising Congress and other allies, collectively won 159 seats, while the NDA secured 75 seats.
With welfare schemes, women voter outreach and pre-election financial assistance at the centre of the political narrative, the contest for Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026 appears set to sharpen in the months ahead.
ANI