Chennai, March 30,: As the Assembly elections draw closer, political activity in Tamil Nadu is intensifying. Most recently, the DMK released its election manifesto. Party chief and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin unveiled the manifesto in Chennai and announced a series of welfare promises aimed at women, farmers, students, and other sections of society. According to reports, Stalin said women would be provided monthly assistance of ₹2,000, while farmers would be supplied with modern pump sets under the free electricity scheme. He also said that the breakfast scheme in government schools would be expanded to cover students up to Class 8.

Stalin further said old-age pensions would be increased to ₹2,000, and free laptops would be provided to students under the party’s welfare commitments. He also announced that coverage under the Chief Minister’s Health Scheme would be enhanced, with the sum assured proposed to be increased to ₹10 lakh. During the event, Stalin said the people of Tamil Nadu were looking toward what he described as “Dravidian Model 2.0.” While highlighting the development claimed by the DMK government over the past five years, he also alleged that the BJP was attempting to create hardship for the people of Tamil Nadu.

Chief Minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin described the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) manifesto for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections as a “Superstar.” Focusing on women, youth, and farmers, he announced a range of welfare measures for these sections during the manifesto unveiling ceremony held in Chennai.

Key Promises in the DMK 2026 Manifesto

• Women’s Empowerment: Under the ‘Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai’ scheme, the monthly grant for women will be increased from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000.
• Education: The Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme, currently applicable to lower classes, will be expanded to cover students up to Class 8.
• Pensions: The old-age pension will be increased to ₹2,000.
• Female Students: The monthly incentive for girls under the Puthumai Penn and Tamil Pudhalvan schemes will be increased from ₹1,000 to ₹1,500.
• Agriculture: Farmers will be provided with modern, unmetered pump sets under the free electricity scheme.
• Housing for the Poor: Construction of 10 lakh new houses within five years.
• Household Support: Coupons worth ₹8,000 will be provided to eligible women under the ‘Illatharasi’ scheme.
• Health: The income ceiling under the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme is proposed to be raised, while the sum assured would go up to ₹10 lakh.

Stalin remarked that the DMK manifesto is usually seen as a “hero,” but this time it would emerge as a “superstar.” The 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections are scheduled to be held on April 23.

Disclaimer: The views, claims, and political assertions expressed in this article are those of the author/source and the persons cited. Indian Press Union does not necessarily endorse or independently verify every disputed or campaign-related claim appearing in the report. Readers are advised to refer to official statements, party documents, and Election Commission records for confirmation.

— M Venkata T Reddy, News Editor and Investigative Journalist