CHENNAI: In a bold move ahead of elections, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has rolled out Rs 5,000 in direct financial aid to women under the Kalaignar Women Rights Scheme. The announcement has ignited a fierce political debate, with the BJP accusing the DMK government of vote-buying tactics.
Stalin detailed the payout during a public address, emphasizing his commitment to women’s empowerment. Beneficiaries received Rs 3,000 as advance for February, March, and April, plus Rs 2,000 for summer relief. This totals Rs 5,000 deposited directly into bank accounts of 1.31 crore women on Friday.
The Chief Minister vowed that no obstacles, including election codes, would halt the scheme. He highlighted the upgrade of monthly aid from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 under ‘Dravidian Model 2.0’, calling it a personal promise to his ‘sisters’.
Stalin expressed confidence that Tamil women’s support would secure his government’s re-election. He slammed attempts to delay distributions, reaffirming the Dravidian model’s focus on welfare.
BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan hit back hard, denying central interference and labeling the scheme as an electoral gimmick. She pointed out delays in payments post-announcement, with funds released only now before polls.
Soundararajan criticized the state’s liquor policy, noting massive revenues from TASMAC sales that harm families. She promoted central schemes like Mudra Yojana and Digital India for sustainable empowerment.
Under Mudra, nearly one crore Tamil Nadu residents, especially women entrepreneurs and street vendors, have accessed quick loans to scale businesses. The BJP leader urged long-term self-reliance over short-term handouts.
This showdown underscores deepening divides between DMK’s welfare populism and BJP’s push for economic reforms, with women’s votes set to play a pivotal role in upcoming elections.