Tamil Nadu's Rs 5,000 Women's Scheme Ignites Political Firestorm
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin's announcement on Friday that Rs 5,000 each had been credited to 1.31 crore women beneficiaries under the Kalaignar Women’s Rights Scheme has triggered a fierce political backlash from the BJP and other opposition parties, who have labeled the move as politically motivated in the run-up to the state assembly election.
Stalin's Advance Payment and Defense
Stalin stated that the amount was deposited in advance to counteract attempts to stall the scheme, citing potential interference from vested interests ahead of the polls. "You would have received Rs 5,000 this morning. I have decided to provide the sum in view of an attempt to freeze the scheme citing upcoming elections," he declared. He explained that the payment included Rs 3,000 as an advance for February, March, and April, along with a summer special package of Rs 2,000, totaling Rs 5,000 credited to all beneficiaries. In a post on X, he emphasized his commitment, saying, "For the women of Tamil Nadu, this Women’s Rights Grant is the promise given by Stalin. No matter who tries to create obstacles, I will not step back from it." He further pledged to increase the monthly entitlement from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 if the DMK returns to power this year, urging women to use the funds wisely for education, medicine, and essentials.
BJP's Sharp Criticism and Allegations
BJP leaders reacted strongly, accusing Stalin of electoral anxiety. BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan criticized the chief minister for blaming the Centre, alleging that the decision was driven by fear of losing the election. In a post on X, she said, "Tamil Nadu CM announcing this because of the election fear and fever... @arivalayam is not confident of winning because of the high anti-incumbency prevailing in Tamil Nadu." She credited the Centre's initiatives like Jan Dhan accounts and Digital India for enabling direct transfers, urging the state government to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Additionally, she highlighted that Modi's Mudra loans have benefited over 1 crore women in Tamil Nadu, making them entrepreneurs and self-reliant.
BJP spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy also attacked the announcement, stating, "Luring the women, luring the public by giving Rs 5 thousand. If MK Stalin thinks that he can lure the public, I think he is mistaken. Tamil people are not fools." He accused the DMK government of deteriorating law and order, particularly citing crimes against women and girl children, and claimed that even if Rs 50,000 were offered, people would not vote for DMK due to past injustices.
Opposition Voices and Counterattacks
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay questioned the timing and sudden introduction of the summer special package, alleging it was prompted by rising support for his party among women. In a post on X, he asked, "How was it suddenly announced that the new summer special package is Rs 2000? Is summer coming only this year or what? The women's rights amount, which is usually credited on the 15th of every month, why is it being credited and announced specifically today, on the 13th?" He claimed that the growing applause and support for TVK, symbolized by the whistle, had created fear within the ruling DMK.
DMK leader TKS Elangovan hit back at the BJP, accusing the party of being "anti-Tamilians" and trying to block women's welfare schemes in Tamil Nadu. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu BJP chief Nainar Nagendran accused the DMK of deceiving people with false promises and failing to fulfil assurances made in 2021, as the political sparring intensified ahead of the polls.
Background and Implications
The Kalaignar Women’s Rights Scheme, a key welfare initiative, has become a focal point in Tamil Nadu's political landscape as elections approach. The advance payment and additional package have amplified debates over governance, electoral motives, and women's empowerment. With opposition parties leveraging the issue to critique the ruling DMK's performance and intentions, the scheme's rollout underscores the high-stakes nature of the upcoming assembly election, where women voters could play a decisive role.
