Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) on Monday unveiled an expansive welfare and governance agenda at Kadayanallur in Tenkasi district, sharply attacking the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and contrasting its “coupon-based corruption model” with AIADMK’s promise of direct, transparent benefit delivery.
Addressing a large gathering, EPS announced that a future AIADMK government would supply high-quality double-boiled rice through ration shops, ensuring that no family in Tamil Nadu would need to purchase rice from the open market. Calling it a firm commitment, he said the scheme would guarantee food security and dignity for lakhs of households regardless of the financial burden on the state.
advertisement
Launching a direct attack on the DMK, EPS accused the ruling party of copying AIADMK’s manifesto “out of desperation” while lacking the intent to implement welfare schemes honestly. He criticised the coupon system as a source of corruption, alleging that it forces people to depend on intermediaries and pay bribes. In contrast, he promised that AIADMK would deposit Rs 10,000 directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts without middlemen.
EPS outlined a comprehensive welfare blueprint, including free refrigerators for ration cardholders, free dal and cooking oil, and three subsidised LPG cylinders annually. He also promised to revive the Amma Two-Wheeler Scheme with a Rs 25,000 subsidy for working women. Additional measures included monthly assistance of Rs 2,000 for graduate job seekers and Rs 1,000 for those educated up to Class 12, cancellation of educational loans, expansion of the rural employment guarantee scheme to 150 days, and a fresh crop loan waiver for farmers.
Positioning AIADMK as a pro-farmer party, EPS highlighted that his previous government had waived crop loans twice, including a Rs 12,100 crore waiver, ensured 24-hour three-phase electricity supply, and carried out extensive water body restoration under the Kudimaramattu scheme. He accused the DMK of stalling key irrigation projects such as the Jambu River Development Canal and the Veeranam–South Kavaalangurichi canal, promising to revive them if voted to power.
Taking aim at Chief Minister MK Stalin, EPS criticised his narrative of a “Tamil Nadu vs Delhi” contest, calling him a “puppet Chief Minister” and asserting that the real contest is between the people of Tamil Nadu and the DMK government. He said the 2026 Assembly election would mark the end of dynastic politics centred around one family.
EPS also detailed AIADMK’s focus on minority welfare, citing schemes for Muslims and Christians such as Haj support, infrastructure development, pensions, and institutional funding. He promised interest-free loans for minorities to promote entrepreneurship and economic independence.
On law and order, EPS alleged a deterioration under the DMK, linking rising crime and insecurity to drug proliferation. He pledged that within three months of forming the government, AIADMK would eradicate drug trafficking and make Tamil Nadu a drug-free state. He also promised strict action against illegal sand and mineral mining.
During the event, EPS introduced NDA alliance candidates for the region—Krishnamurali (Kadayanallur), Selva Mohandas (Tenkasi), KRB Prabakaran (Alangulam), and Dr Thiliban (Sankarankovil)—and urged voters to ensure their victory, while also seeking support for the BJP candidate in Vasudevanallur. He reiterated that Tenkasi was created as a separate district during his tenure to improve governance.
In a sharp closing remark, EPS termed Stalin’s governance a “failure model,” urging voters to support AIADMK’s “Two Leaves” symbol to “protect the people and reclaim Tamil Nadu.
– Ends
Tune In
Must Watch
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
