Palaniswami on Sunday released an extensive list of populist schemes that appeal to nearly all groups in the state, including women, rural workers, and the working class.
Addressing party workers and the public, the AIADMK General Secretary labelled the DMK government a ‘failure model’ and urged voters to support his party and its alliance in the upcoming polls.
“If voted to power, the party would provide ₹ 2,000 per month to women heads of families, extend the rural employment scheme to 150 days, offer free bus travel for men, provide housing for the poor, subsidise two-wheelers for women, waive certain cooperative bank loans, and implement insurance schemes for Jallikattu participants and bulls. I also promise Pongal and Deepavali welfare measures and subsidies for auto drivers and small traders,” he was quoted as saying by ANI.
“The free electricity currently provided to handloom weavers will be increased from 300 units to 450 units, and for power loom weavers from 1,000 units to 1,400 units,” he added.
Chennai: AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami says, “The free electricity currently provided to handloom weavers will be increased from 300 units to 450 units, and for power loom weavers from 1,000 units to 1,400 units. Loans obtained from cooperative banks by small… pic.twitter.com/w4v48r8QvS
— ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2026
In a scathing attack on the state administration, he added, “DMK government is a ‘failure model’, I urged voters to support AIADMK and its allies in the upcoming elections and ensure a decisive mandate.”
He openly questioned the source of ₹ 8,000 crore allegedly held in the ‘Stalin Trust,’ challenging the Chief Minister to prove the funds were obtained through legitimate means. “₹ 8,000 crores is present in ‘Stalin Trust’. Has the money been earned legitimately?” Palaniswami said.
He characterised the DMK’s leadership as marked by economic mismanagement and broken electoral promises, noting that Tamil Nadu’s total debt has surged from ₹4.85 lakh crore in 2021 to ₹5 lakh crore under the current administration.
Palaniswami argued that this rising burden has effectively turned the state’s citizens into debtors.
Furthermore, he asserted that MK Stalin has ‘no moral right’ to speak of betrayal, claiming the DMK has deceived various sections of society, including farmers, government employees, nurses, and students.
Palaniswami highlighted the AIADMK’s 2011–2021 tenure, asserting that his administration successfully navigated major crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, severe droughts, and devastating cyclones. He emphasised that despite revenue constraints during the pandemic, the government ensure food security by providing free meals through Amma Canteens and distributing essential supplies via ration shops.
He also criticised the DMK on law and order, alleging an increase in crime and drug-related activities throughout the state.
The 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly is scheduled to go to the polls in the first half of 2026. AIADMK has officially reunited with the BJP for this election to challenge the MK Stalin-led alliance.
The entry of actor-turned-politician Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), is expected to make the upcoming election a high-stakes three-way contest.
