Unveiling what he described as a “superstar” manifesto for the coming Tamil Nadu Assembly election, DMK president and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Sunday (March 29, 2026) promised a ₹8,000 coupon to all “non-Income Tax paying” homemakers to buy any electronic home appliance of their choice from the nearest stores.
The manifesto, released at the party headquarters Anna Arivalayam in Chennai, sought to strike a balance between welfare schemes backed by adequate financial support and serious political issues such as federalism, Centre-State relations, and the imposition of Hindi.
On the one hand, it promised to popularise the Justice Kurian Committee report on Centre-State relations, and on the other, it announced a host of incentives.
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Claiming that the DMK’s manifesto had always been the “hero” of elections, Mr. Stalin said the Illatharasi scheme — which will allow homemakers to buy or replace household appliances, including washing machine, refrigerators, mixers, grinders, ovens, induction stoves and television sets — would be the “heroine” of the 2026 election. “The manifesto will enter the fray as a superstar,” he said.
All promises kept
Asked whether the government had the funds to support such a scheme, he said similar doubts were raised in 2021, but the DMK government kept all its promises and also implemented schemes not promised in the manifesto.
He said the government would mobilise resources for the implementation of welfare schemes and infrastructure projects launched in the past five years and generate funds through special financial management measures.
Reiterating its commitment to securing Tamil Nadu’s due share from the Centre, in accordance with the recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission, the manifesto said efforts would be made to identify deserving beneficiaries by reducing unnecessary expenditure. “We have achieved double-digit growth,” he said, thanking the manifesto drafting committee headed by DMK Parliamentary Party leader Kanimozhi.
The manifesto also proposes to extend the Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme up to Class 8, for the benefit of an additional 15 lakh students.
Monthly right grant to be increased
Mr. Stalin said the monthly right grant for 1.31 crore women beneficiaries of the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai would be increased to ₹2,000 from ₹1,000. The old-age pension would be raised from ₹1,200 to ₹2,000, while persons with disabilities would receive ₹2,500.
The income ceiling for the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme would be ₹5 lakh a year and the insurance coverage would be increased to ₹10 lakh.
The manifesto promised to construct five lakh new houses over the next few years under the Kalaignar Kanavu Illam scheme, in addition to 10 lakh houses under an urban housing development scheme. It also proposed housing for Sri Lankan Tamils and the construction of new houses to replace the damaged ones.
10,000 new buses
Mr. Stalin also announced the introduction of 10,000 new buses over the next five years, arguing that the ‘Dravidian Model’ government’s Vidiyal Payanam had played a significant role in the socio-economic development of women.
The manifesto also proposed schemes for farmers, including the installation of motors without meters for those receiving free electricity. This would benefit 20 lakh farmers. It promised to increase the procurement price to ₹3,500 for a quintal of paddy and ₹4,500 for a tonne of sugar cane. A total of 10,500 km of the C and D category irrigation canals in the Cauvery delta districts, along with 5,000 km of canals in other districts, would be desilted.
The party also promised to increase the financial assistance for fishermen during the fishing ban period to ₹12,000 from ₹8,000, while special relief during the low-catch period would be raised to ₹9,000 from ₹6,000.
Milking machines
As milking cows has become a difficult task for farmers, the DMK proposed a scheme to distribute milking machines to suppliers across 3,000 milk cooperative societies. To ensure a fair price for milk producers, the party said the procurement price would be increased by ₹5. To support cattle care, 24-hour veterinary clinics would be established in all districts. Loans for maintaining cattle would be increased to ₹5,000 from ₹3,000.
The manifesto promised to double the dialysis machines at all government hospitals.
As the population increase has emerged as a major issue in cities and suburban areas, the manifesto promised to create ‘global cities’ near Tiruchi, Madurai, Coimbatore, and Salem.
Stating that ports are the engines of economic growth, the party said new minor ports would be developed, along with improvements to infrastructure and interconnectivity. The ports at Nagapattinam and Cuddalore would be upgraded to world-class standards.
Cargo terminal at Thoothukudi
Pointing out that the expansion of the Coimbatore airport remained a non-starter even after land acquisition, the manifesto said the party would urge the Centre to commence work. “As Thoothukudi is emerging as the industrial capital of south Tamil Nadu, the contribution of ports, railways, and the airport is crucial. A cargo terminal will be established in Thoothukudi, as the airport has already been expanded,” the manifesto said.
Promising to hold a Classical Tamil Conference in Chennai with the participation of international Tamil scholars and linguists, the manifesto said it would press the Centre to grant Indian citizenship to Sri Lankan Tamils living in the State for many years.
Promising to make Tamil Nadu a State with zero school dropout, the manifesto said a special Act would be brought in for the protection of children. “We will create a child welfare State,” it said.
Published – March 29, 2026 07:25 pm IST
