The BJP on Tuesday released its manifesto for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, promising a mix of direct cash transfers, free welfare benefits and institutional reforms, while mounting a sharp attack on the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).
The manifesto was unveiled by Union Minister JP Nadda in the presence of Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagenthran, former state unit head K Annamalai and senior leader Tamilisai Soundararajan.Addressing the gathering, Nadda said the party had deliberately chosen Tamil New Year to release its poll document, calling it an auspicious occasion and signalling what he described as a “new beginning" for the state.
At the core of the BJP’s manifesto are cash and subsidy-focused measures aimed at women, farmers and households.
The party promised a monthly allowance of ₹2,000 to all women heads of families, along with a one-time assistance of ₹10,000 to every household.
It also pledged to provide three LPG cylinders free of cost every year, one each on Pongal, Diwali and Tamil New Year, a move aimed at easing household expenses amid rising living costs.
For farmers, the BJP announced the Uzhave Thai scheme, which would offer a ₹3,000 top-up to the Centre’s PM-Kisan support, taking the total annual assistance to ₹9,000.
On law and order, the manifesto promised zero-FIR reporting, victim and witness protection mechanisms, and special fast-track courts for heinous crimes, including sexual offences, to tackle rising crimes against women.
The party also proposed setting up a Tamil Nadu Drug Eradication Department, backed by a specialised anti-narcotics task force, to combat drug trafficking and substance abuse.
On cultural and religious fronts, the BJP said it would ensure the resumption and protection of the tradition of lighting the Karthigai Deepam at the Thirupuramkundram hilltop, committing to preserve the practice for future generations.
Using the occasion to target the ruling DMK, Nadda accused the party of betraying the people of Tamil Nadu. “When I speak about the pulse of the people, there is deep resentment against the DMK. People will expose this unholy alliance," he said.
Calling the DMK a “dynasty-run party," Nadda alleged that it had failed women, youth, farmers and working sections of society.
He claimed that over 8,000 murders had taken place in the last five years and that crimes against women had risen by 56% under the current government.
The BJP chief further alleged that the DMK was a “party of corruption and commissions," asserting that more than 70% of the promises made in its 2021 manifesto remain unfulfilled.
The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections to choose all 234 MLAs are scheduled to be held on April 23, with counting of votes set for May 4.
Source: News18