DMK unveils manifesto: Rs 8,000 coupon for housewives, increased welfare for TN

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has unveiled its manifesto for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, a comprehensive document that includes a headline-grabbing promise of an 'Illatharasi' scheme. This initiative aims to provide a one-time coupon worth ₹8,000 to all non-income tax paying homemakers. The coupon can be used to purchase or replace a variety of electronic household appliances, such as washing machines, refrigerators, televisions, mixer-grinders, ovens, and induction stoves. DMK president and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin described this scheme as the 'heroine' of the election, positioning the manifesto itself as a 'superstar'. The manifesto, released on March 29, 2026, also focuses on expanding and enhancing existing welfare measures. A key promise is the doubling of the monthly financial assistance under the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000, benefiting over 1.31 crore women. Furthermore, the DMK pledges to increase the old-age pension from ₹1,200 to ₹2,000 per month and raise the financial assistance for persons with disabilities to ₹2,500. In the education sector, the manifesto proposes to extend the Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme, which currently covers students from Classes 1 to 5, up to Class 8. For healthcare, the DMK intends to increase the income ceiling for the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme to ₹5 lakh annually and boost the insurance coverage to ₹10 lakh. Agricultural and economic development are also key areas addressed in the manifesto. The party promises to provide modern electric pump sets without meters to farmers receiving free electricity, expected to benefit approximately 20 lakh farmers. There are also commitments to increase the procurement price for paddy to ₹3,500 per quintal and for sugarcane to ₹4,500 per tonne. The DMK plans to construct five lakh new houses under the Kalaignar Kanavu Illam scheme, in addition to 10 lakh houses under an urban housing development scheme. The party also aims to attract foreign investment and create 50 lakh jobs over the next five years, with plans for industrial development packages and increased IT exports. The manifesto also touches upon infrastructure, announcing the introduction of 10,000 new buses over the next five years. A notable aspect of this manifesto is the omission of certain prominent promises from the 2021 elections, such as the abolition of the NEET exam and a complete liquor ban, which were significant planks in previous campaigns. The DMK's claims regarding the fulfillment of its 2021 manifesto promises are also highlighted. The party stated that it had fulfilled 80% of its 505 promises, with 364 implemented and 40 under consideration. However, some sources indicate a mixed track record, with certain promises like LPG price cuts and student loan waivers remaining unmet. The release of the DMK's manifesto follows that of the main opposition AIADMK, which had promised free refrigerators to families. The DMK's coupon scheme is seen as a direct response, offering greater choice to beneficiaries. The overall tone of the manifesto release was optimistic, with CM Stalin expressing confidence in the party's victory and the continuation of the 'Dravidian Model' of governance.

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