Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Announces Financial Aid for Women Ahead of Elections
Chennai, – In a move widely seen as an attempt to bolster support ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced today that ₹5,000 will be credited to the bank accounts of 1.31 crore women beneficiaries under the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme.
The disbursement includes the advance payment of the monthly rights grant of ₹1,000 for February, March, and April, along with a “special summer assistance” component of ₹2,000, according to a statement from the Chief Minister’s office. The announcement was made on Friday, as Tamil Nadu prepares for elections expected later this year.
Stalin indicated that if the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is re-elected, the monthly grant for beneficiaries would be increased to ₹2,000 under what he termed ‘Dravidian Model 2.0.’ This pledge aims to further solidify the party’s commitment to women’s welfare and economic empowerment.
The Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme was launched on , fulfilling a key electoral promise made by the DMK. The scheme is designed to provide financial assistance to eligible women heads of families in Tamil Nadu.
The timing of the announcement draws parallels to past electoral strategies employed by other political leaders. Reports suggest the move echoes a similar tactic used by Lalu Prasad Yadav, who successfully countered public discontent by announcing financial aid for women, influencing the outcome of previous elections.
The upcoming Assembly elections are expected to be highly competitive. The 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly will go to polls in the first half of 2026, with the current assembly’s term expiring on . In the 2021 state elections, the DMK-led alliance secured 133 seats, while the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), won 66 seats.
This year, the political landscape is further complicated by the entry of Tamil cinema star Vijay’s Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) into the electoral fray, adding another significant contender to the race. The competition is expected to be fierce as Stalin aims to secure a second term for the DMK government.
The financial aid is intended to recognize and support the contributions of women in society, according to the Chief Minister’s office. The initiative is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of millions of women across Tamil Nadu, particularly in the lead-up to the crucial Assembly elections.
