AIADMK Unveils Major Poll Promises Including Free Bus Travel for Men
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami made significant announcements on Saturday, raising his party's pitch for the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly elections. Speaking at the AIADMK headquarters in Chennai, Palaniswami paid floral tribute to party founder M G Ramachandran on his 109th birth anniversary before revealing a series of welfare promises.
Extension of Free Bus Travel Scheme
Palaniswami declared that the existing free bus travel scheme for women, known as 'Magalir Vidiyal Payanam Thittam,' would continue under AIADMK rule. He went further by announcing an extension of this benefit to men as well if his party returns to power. This move directly counters the DMK government's flagship program which currently benefits only women passengers on city buses.
Former minister B Valarmathi, a member of the AIADMK manifesto committee, defended this decision against criticism. She stated the party aims to avoid discrimination and ensure no one gets left out based on gender considerations.
Financial Assistance and Housing Schemes
Unveiling the first of five initial promises, Palaniswami announced the 'Kula Vilakku Thittam.' This scheme would provide Rs 2,000 monthly to every ration card holder in Tamil Nadu. The amount would be credited directly to the bank account of the woman head of each family.
This announcement positions itself as a counter to the DMK government's 'Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai' scheme, which currently benefits over 1.15 crore women across the state.
Palaniswami also guaranteed free housing for all under the 'Amma Illam Thittam.' This program would assist landless and homeless people in both rural and urban areas, similar to the existing 'Kalaignar Kanavu Illam Thittam.' The government would acquire land and construct houses specifically for young men from Scheduled Caste communities who come from joint families, helping them establish separate households after marriage.
Additional Welfare Measures
Another significant announcement targeted women voters, who often play a decisive role in electoral outcomes. Under the 'Amma Iruchakkara Vaganam Valangum Thittam,' AIADMK would provide a subsidy of Rs 25,000 to five lakh women to help them purchase two-wheelers.
The party also promised to enhance the guaranteed rural employment scheme from 100 to 150 workdays annually to boost rural development across Tamil Nadu.
Financial Management and Alliance Strategy
When questioned about whether providing Rs 2,000 monthly to more than two crore ration card holders would worsen the state's debt situation, Palaniswami defended his promise. He asserted that AIADMK possesses the necessary ability and talent to manage state finances effectively.
S Semmalai, another member of the manifesto committee, elaborated on the financial strategy. He acknowledged that these announcements would create additional financial burden but expressed confidence in managing it through maintaining cordial relations with their alliance partner, the BJP-led government at the Centre.
"Like the Bihar and Andhra Pradesh governments, we will seek a special package to overcome the present financial situation," Semmalai stated. "Our government will also focus on capital investment to boost infrastructure and increase the state's own revenue."
Comprehensive Manifesto in Preparation
Palaniswami revealed that the party's manifesto committee is currently touring Tamil Nadu to gather public inputs and suggestions. He indicated that comprehensive pre-poll promises would be announced once this exercise concludes, suggesting more announcements might follow in the coming weeks.
The announcements received enthusiastic applause from party functionaries present at the event, signaling strong internal support for these welfare-oriented promises as AIADMK prepares for the crucial assembly elections.
