Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam Chief Vijay Unveils Comprehensive Election Manifesto
NEW DELHI: In a significant political development, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founder and leader Vijay presented his party's detailed manifesto for the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly elections on Thursday. The announcement comes precisely one week before voters across all 234 constituencies in the state are scheduled to cast their ballots, with the crucial vote counting set for May 4.
Major Welfare and Development Promises
The actor-turned-politician, who formally established TVK in February 2024, outlined an ambitious array of commitments designed to address various societal needs. The manifesto features substantial financial assistance programs, educational support, agricultural reforms, and technological advancements.
Key economic and social welfare proposals include:
- Monthly financial assistance of Rs 2,500 for women across the state
- Marriage assistance providing 8 grams of gold to eligible women
- Interest-free loans up to Rs 5 lakh for women-run Self Help Groups (SHGs)
- Annual scholarship of Rs 15,000 to prevent school dropouts among students
- 50% waiver on agricultural cooperative crop loans for farmers owning more than 5 acres of land
- Monthly aid of up to Rs 4,000 for unemployed graduates
- Pension of Rs 3,000 for elderly citizens and differently-abled individuals
- Provision of 200 units of free electricity to households
- Health insurance coverage of Rs 25 lakh per family
- Six free cooking gas cylinders annually for each family
Employment and Infrastructure Initiatives
The TVK manifesto places strong emphasis on job creation and modern infrastructure development. Vijay promised to generate 5 lakh new government jobs while simultaneously creating 5 lakh internship positions with stipends for young professionals. The party also committed to regularizing contract workers, including nurses in healthcare institutions.
In a forward-looking technological vision, the manifesto proposes establishing a dedicated Artificial Intelligence Ministry, an AI-focused university, and developing a specialized AI City within Tamil Nadu. These initiatives aim to position the state as a hub for technological innovation and research.
Agricultural and Healthcare Reforms
Farmers received specific attention in the manifesto with Minimum Support Price (MSP) guarantees of Rs 3,500 per quintal for paddy and Rs 4,500 per ton for sugarcane. The healthcare sector proposals include building modern hospitals across the state, implementing annual free health checkup programs for citizens, and working toward creating a drugs-free Tamil Nadu.
The party also indicated it would consider reinstating the Old Pension Scheme for government employees, addressing long-standing demands from various employee groups.
Strict Event Protocols and Safety Measures
Prior to the manifesto launch, TVK General Secretary N Anand announced stringent security and attendance protocols in strict compliance with Election Commission guidelines. The event was limited to 800 authorized personnel only, with entry restricted to functionaries possessing specific QR code passes. No unauthorized individuals were permitted access to the venue.
In a considerate safety measure, the party specifically advised pregnant women, children, students, senior citizens, differently-abled individuals, and those with health conditions to avoid visiting the event location. Instead, supporters and the general public were encouraged to watch the manifesto unveiling through live telecasts available on television and various social media platforms.
The comprehensive manifesto presentation marks TVK's formal entry into Tamil Nadu's competitive political landscape, offering voters a detailed alternative vision for the state's development just days before the crucial assembly elections determine the next government.
