Chennai: The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) on Tuesday released its manifesto for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026, placing strong emphasis on welfare schemes, cost-of-living relief, and economic support for households.

Party General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami unveiled the manifesto at the party headquarters in Chennai, outlining 297 promises that blend social welfare with development goals. The announcement comes shortly after the party finalised its seat-sharing arrangement with its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners.

The manifesto underscores financial assistance, subsidies, and household support as central pillars, while also highlighting employment generation and agricultural growth as key priorities.

Key welfare promises

  • Rs 10,000 monthly assistance for every family
  • Rs 2,000 monthly financial aid for women
  • Three free LPG cylinders annually per household
  • Free bus travel for both men and women
  • 1 kg of dal and 1 litre of cooking oil free for ration card holders
  • Free refrigerators for women heads of families with rice ration cards

Palaniswami said the proposed measures are aimed at reducing the financial burden on families amid rising prices.

The promise of free refrigerators, he added, is intended to ease the daily workload of homemakers and improve household convenience.

Drawing a parallel with past welfare initiatives, the AIADMK leadership invoked the legacy of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, who had rolled out schemes such as free fans, mixies, and grinders during the 2011 elections.

Beyond welfare, the party signalled a dual focus on economic expansion, with commitments to job creation and strengthening the agricultural sector if voted to power.

Seat-sharing and alliance details

The manifesto release follows the announcement of AIADMK’s seat-sharing formula within the NDA for the 234-member Assembly. The party will contest 178 seats, while the BJP will field candidates in 27 constituencies. Other allies include the Pattali Makkal Katchi (18 seats) and the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (11 seats).

Palaniswami expressed confidence that the alliance would secure a decisive mandate, asserting that AIADMK is well-positioned to form the government.

Tamil Nadu will vote in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4.