With Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) emerging as a major force in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, attention has turned to the party’s expansive poll promises, ranging from cash transfers to education and welfare reforms.
The actor-turned-politician’s manifesto outlines a series of ambitious schemes, including a monthly assistance of Rs 2,500 for women below 60 years and distribution of 8 grams of gold, valued at around Rs 1.12 lakh, for marriage support. The party has also promised six free LPG cylinders annually for each household.
As per Election Commission trends by evening, the TVK had won 22 seats and was leading in 87 constituencies, falling short of the 118-seat majority mark in the 234-member Assembly but positioning itself as the single largest party.
The manifesto places strong emphasis on education, drawing inspiration from K. Kamaraj. Vijay has promised Rs 15,000 annually for families of students in government and aided schools to curb dropouts, along with plans to establish 100 special residential schools in Kamaraj’s name.
Higher education support includes loans up to Rs 20 lakh, alongside proposals to set up an Artificial Intelligence Ministry, AI University and AI City.
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On welfare, the party has pledged a Rs 3,000 monthly pension for senior citizens and the differently-abled, 200 units of free electricity, and universal piped drinking water supply. A Rs 25 lakh family health insurance scheme and free annual health check-ups also form part of the healthcare push.
Agriculture features prominently, with promises of a complete waiver of cooperative crop loans for farmers owning less than five acres, and a 50 per cent waiver for larger landholders. The party has also assured a Minimum Support Price of Rs 3,500 per quintal for paddy and Rs 4,500 per tonne for sugarcane.
To tackle unemployment, Vijay has pledged to create five lakh government jobs and offer an equal number of stipendiary internships. Unemployed graduates are to receive up to Rs 4,000 per month.
The manifesto further promises interest-free loans up to Rs 5 lakh for women-led self-help groups, doorstep delivery of government services, time-bound issuance of documents such as community certificates and land pattas, and business licences within 21 days.
While Vijay appears to have won the electoral battle, the scale and financial implications of these commitments present a significant governance challenge if his party forms the government.
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