Chennai, April 16 (NationPress) The renowned actor-turned-politician Vijay, who leads the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), unveiled the party's manifesto for the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections on Thursday evening. The document promises a comprehensive welfare strategy, technology-enhanced governance, and focused reforms aimed at transforming the state’s economic landscape and social framework.

Positioning TVK as a grassroots-oriented alternative, Vijay detailed a blend of direct financial aid programs and long-term developmental projects. The manifesto underscores a strong focus on social safety nets, job creation, and the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) into governmental operations.

Among the primary welfare commitments, the party has pledged a monthly assistance of Rs 2,500 for homemakers, Rs 4,000 in unemployment aid for graduates, and Rs 2,500 for diploma holders. Proposed internship stipends range from Rs 5,000 to Rs 8,000, alongside an Rs 18,000 employment-linked support scheme aimed at benefiting five lakh youth.

For senior citizens, widows, and individuals with disabilities, a monthly sum of Rs 3,000 is promised, with pension coverage reaching 15 lakh recipients.

The manifesto also highlights women-centric initiatives, including interest-free loans of up to Rs 5 lakh and marriage assistance for underprivileged brides, which includes one sovereign of gold and a silk saree. Additionally, free house pattas on government land have been assured.

In terms of healthcare, TVK has committed to providing free health check-ups, affordable medication, and specific cancer insurance coverage.

Basic services represent another essential component, with promises of 200 units of free electricity per household, universal access to piped drinking water, and six free LPG cylinders each year.

The party has also put forth proposals for AI-integrated solutions in governance and education, such as AI-based systems to support students preparing for competitive exams, along with plans for establishing free residential schools from Classes 6 to 12.

For the agricultural sector, the manifesto ensures 50% debt relief for farmers owning more than five acres, coupled with solar energy initiatives.

Fishermen are guaranteed a minimum support price mechanism, Rs 27,000 in lean-season assistance, and insurance coverage of Rs 25 lakh.

Worker welfare initiatives will include Rs 18,000 salaries for anganwadi staff and Rs 10,000 for sanitation workers, in addition to a Rs 15 lakh benefit for long-serving government employees.

With law and order as a priority, Vijay introduced a “drug-free Tamil Nadu” initiative.

On the economic front, TVK has set an ambitious goal to elevate Tamil Nadu to a $1.5 trillion economy by 2036, supported by a Rs 15,000 crore safety net for MSMEs.

Through this manifesto, TVK aims to merge welfare-focused policies with technology-driven growth as it prepares for the Assembly elections on April 23.