Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: MK Stalin on Wednesday unveiled a series of welfare promises and development plans at a DMK rally in Tiruchirappalli, positioning them as key offerings ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.Addressing party workers and voters in central Tamil Nadu, the DMK chief sought support for party candidates while highlighting his government’s track record and outlining fresh commitments if voted back to power.He said Tiruchirappalli would be developed on par with Chennai, signalling a push to decentralise growth beyond the state capital. Stalin also used the platform to contrast Tamil Nadu’s law and order situation with BJP-ruled states, asserting stability under his leadership.The Chief Minister reiterated that his government had fulfilled major assurances, including fare-free bus travel for women, and pointed to welfare measures aimed at education, agriculture, and women’s empowerment as central to the DMK’s electoral pitch.
What CM Stalin promised ahead of polls
- The Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme will be extended to cover students up to Class 8.
- The sugarcane procurement price will be increased to Rs 4,500 per tonne.
- Paddy will be procured at Rs 3,500 per quintal if the DMK returns to power.
- Pumpsets will be provided to 20 lakh farmers to support irrigation needs.
- Women beneficiaries will receive a monthly assistance of Rs 2,000.
- College-going students will be given financial aid of Rs 1,500 per month.
- Women will be provided with coupons worth Rs 8,000 to purchase home appliances of their choice.
- Around 9 lakh students will continue to receive Rs 1,000 per month for higher education support.
- Tiruchirappalli will be developed with projects such as a major library, TIDEL Park, and an Olympic Academy.
- Infrastructure in the region will be expanded with initiatives including mini stadiums, schools, and drinking water projects.
Stalin said his administration had ensured that “TN has no caste riots, communal violence seen in BJP-ruled states, mob violence seen in UP, or continued violence in Manipur,” while urging voters to back the DMK for continuity in governance and welfare delivery.
