The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government's announcement of a ₹3,000 cash gift for Pongal has ignited a sharp political debate in Tamil Nadu. While the party's allies have welcomed the move as timely relief for the poor, opposition parties have launched a scathing attack, labeling it an election sop.
Allies Hail Festival Relief for the Poor
Leaders from the DMK's alliance partners have extended their support for the financial assistance scheme. CPI state secretary M Veerapandian described the announcement as a significant relief for impoverished citizens. He emphasized that the cash offer provides crucial support to working-class and low-income families grappling with rising prices of essential goods. The leader of the left party also noted that it compensates for the lack of cash support the previous year and aids households in managing festival expenses with dignity.
Echoing similar sentiments, Manithaneya Jananayaga Katchi president Thamimun Ansari welcomed the decision, stating it would bring happiness to the people. He expressed a desire for the DMK government to continue its rule to ensure such welfare measures persist in the state.
Opposition Mounts Fierce Criticism
The principal opposition, AIADMK, swiftly criticized Chief Minister M K Stalin, highlighting a contrast in his demands. The party pointed out that when Stalin was the Leader of the Opposition, he had demanded a ₹5,000 Pongal gift. In a post on social media platform X, the AIADMK questioned, "When will he stop deceiving people?" alleging that the reduced amount of ₹3,000 was announced out of fear of losing elections.
PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss leveled a similar allegation, directly linking the announcement to the upcoming 2026 assembly elections. He questioned why no cash was given for Pongal in 2025 and claimed the timing—just 50 days before the expected election announcement—exposed the DMK's fear of defeat. Ramadoss asserted that the people of Tamil Nadu have already decided to vote the DMK out of power.
Allegations of Corruption and Poor Quality
Adding another dimension to the criticism, BJP MLA Vanathi Srinivasan raised serious allegations against the government's Pongal gift distribution. Speaking to reporters in Erode, she claimed that the quality of Pongal gift items was substandard. Srinivasan alleged corruption in the procurement process of these goods and urged the state government to ensure that quality products reach the people during the festival.
The ₹3,000 cash gift, intended as a festival welfare measure, has thus become a focal point of political contention, setting the stage for heated debates as Tamil Nadu moves closer to the next electoral battle.
