AIADMK Unveils Promises of Rs 10,000 Relief and Pongal Cash Support Ahead of Elections
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Chennai, Feb 24 (NationPress) The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) has announced a comprehensive array of welfare initiatives in the lead-up to the forthcoming Assembly elections. General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami revealed plans for direct cash support, increased subsidies, and loan forgiveness should the party regain power.
Speaking to the media at the AIADMK headquarters in Royapettah, Chennai, Palaniswami stated that every household in Tamil Nadu would receive Rs 10,000 as relief once an AIADMK government is established.
Additionally, families would be granted Rs 1,000 each year along with the customary Pongal gift basket during the Thai Pongal festival.
While criticizing the current ruling party, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam led by Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, Palaniswami claimed that the prices of necessary goods had “skyrocketed,” putting immense pressure on family budgets.
He accused the government of raising property taxes, house taxes, and water fees, thereby intensifying financial burdens on average families. Among other significant commitments, the AIADMK promised a monthly support of Rs 2,000 to unemployed graduates registered with employment exchanges and Rs 1,000 for those who have finished Class 12. Fishermen will see their fishing ban assistance rise from Rs 8,000 to Rs 12,000.
The party also vowed to increase free electricity for handloom weavers from 300 to 450 units and for powerloom weavers from 1,000 to 1,400 units.
Loans taken by small vendors operating on urban streets from cooperative banks are set to be waived.
Under the proposed 'Kulavilakku' scheme, Rs 2,000 monthly would be directly deposited into the bank accounts of family heads to ensure economic stability.
In the transportation sector, AIADMK has promised free bus travel for men in city buses while maintaining the existing free travel scheme for women. Housing initiatives will involve government-constructed shelters for the homeless in rural areas under the 'Amma Illam' scheme, and apartment developments in urban locations.
The party further committed to increasing old-age pensions to Rs 2,000, waiving educational loans, providing three complimentary LPG cylinders annually, and offering compensation for Jallikattu victims.
Interest-free loans for women entrepreneurs from minority communities and loan waivers for individuals with disabilities were also included in the party's second-phase election promises.