Chennai: With the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026 approaching, the ruling DMK and opposition AIADMK have unveiled detailed election manifestos, each packed with welfare-oriented commitments targeting women, farmers, and low-income households.

The DMK, which had made 505 promises in 2021, has increased its commitments to 525 assurances this year. Meanwhile, the AIADMK, seeking a return to power, has announced 297 promises, focusing on a combination of welfare schemes, subsidies, and targeted household benefits.

Focus on women-centric welfare

A key highlight in both manifestos is women-focused welfare.

  • DMK Chief Minister M K Stalin has announced Rs 8,000 coupons for homemakers from non-income tax-paying families to purchase or replace essential household appliances. The party also plans to double the monthly financial assistance for women from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000.
  • AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami pledged free refrigerators for ration card holders and a Rs 2,000 subsidy under the ‘Kula Vilakku’ scheme for all family card holders. 

Social welfare, pensions and disability support

Both parties have promised increases in key social welfare programmes:

  • Old-age pension: Raised from Rs 1,200 to Rs 2,000
  • Fishing ban relief: Increased from Rs 8,000 to Rs 12,000
  • Disability allowance: DMK proposes Rs 2,500, AIADMK Rs 2,000

Also Read| Tamil Nadu Assembly Election 2026 nomination filing begins today: What candidates need to know

Education and technology initiatives

  • DMK: Free laptops for 35 lakh higher education students over five years
  • AIADMK: Similar scheme for students in government and government-aided colleges

Housing, rural development and farmers

  • Housing: DMK aims to construct 10 lakh houses in five years, while AIADMK promises free housing for homeless families under ‘Amma Illam’.
  • Farmers: Both parties target minimum support prices, with DMK proposing Rs 3,500 per quintal for paddy and Rs 4,500 per tonne for sugarcane.

Healthcare commitments

  • DMK: Increase income ceiling for insurance eligibility to Rs 5 lakh, coverage up to Rs 10 lakh
  • AIADMK: Full government funding for major treatments, including heart surgeries and cancer care

State rights and education

Both parties reaffirm their opposition to certain aspects of the National Education Policy (NEP) and pledge to restore education to the State List, emphasising Tamil Nadu’s rights and autonomy in policymaking.

As campaigning intensifies, the welfare promises in the DMK and AIADMK manifestos highlight a fiercely competitive electoral battle, with populist schemes shaping the narrative ahead of the polls.

IANS