Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin on Sunday described DMK’s election manifesto as the “superstar” of the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections, asserting that while promises can be made by anyone, only those made by DMK are trusted by the people.
Addressing a public rally of the Secular Progressive Alliance, Stalin said the manifesto had universal appeal.
“From age six to 60, from women to men, from youth to the elderly—everyone likes the DMK election manifesto. There cannot be anyone who dislikes it,” he told the gathering, adding that the credibility of promises depends on who makes them.
Highlighting key proposals, Stalin described the ‘Illatharasi’ (Homemaker) scheme as an “ultimate announcement.” The scheme proposes an Rs 8,000 coupon for women to purchase household appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators, and microwave ovens.
“The aim is to reduce the household workload of family heads,” he said.
He also promised to double the monthly financial assistance under the ‘Maghalir Urimai Thogai’ scheme from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000, reinforcing the party’s focus on welfare measures.
Launching a sharp attack on the opposition, Stalin framed the election as a contest between the “Tamil Nadu Team” and the “Delhi Team.” He accused Edappadi K. Palaniswami, leader of the AIADMK, of running a campaign based on “slander and low-level talk.”
Stalin went on to call Palaniswami a “liar” and the “image of betrayal,” alleging that he had betrayed several leaders, including former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, V. K. Sasikala, and O. Panneerselvam.
Responding to allegations that the DMK had failed government employees, Stalin said such claims were baseless.
“If we had cheated them, would their representatives come and thank me?” he asked, attributing the criticism to frustration over the success of his government’s welfare initiatives.
He also targeted the BJP-led NDA, alleging that its primary objective is to “block the growth of Tamil Nadu.” Urging voters to support alliance candidates in constituencies such as Virudhunagar, Sivakasi, and Aruppukkottai, Stalin promised to continue and expand the “Dravidian Model” of governance.
The Tamil Nadu Assembly elections are scheduled to be held on April 23.
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