As Tamil Nadu Assembly elections approach in 2026, Chief Minister & DMK President M.K. Stalin has laid out what he described as a “Superstar” Agenda – presenting a multitude of welfare programs designed to bolster the number of women and youth voting.
The welfare program increase was introduced during the DMK’s push for re-election to a second consecutive term in office, with “Dravidian Model 2.0” being implemented to protect households from rising costs and serve as an impetus for increasing Tamil Nadu’s economy.
The linchpin of the DMK’s 2026 platform will focus on providing financial assistance through increasing the direct cash transfer benefits given to low-income families.
In addition to doubling the monthly amount paid to women who are heads of households under the Kalaignar Magalir Urumai Thogai program from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 per month, here is a list of other programs that will see cash payments expanded:
The government will raise the payment amount for current support provided to students in higher education institutions under the Pudhumai Penn (female) and Tamil Pudhalvans (male) programs from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 per month.
Increasing the monthly pension payments for the elderly, widows, and unmarried women aged over 50 to Rs 2,000 a month.
The ‘Illa…’ scholarship will no longer be available, nor will its predecessor be continued.
The ‘Uzhavar Thittam’ is no longer available, either.
Foundation relief will be provided to pregnant women.
Stalin has also discussed other responsibilities and actions he will take if elected to be re-elected again.
Eligible women will get Rs 8,000 worth coupons.
Whereas previous schemes offered specific (brand) models like grinders/mixers, coupons allow eligible women to buy/replace any household item from local stores.
Healthcare & infrastructure expansion
Additionally, the manifesto addresses significant upgrades to the social safety net:
Health insurance: the amount covered in CM’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme is increased to Rs 10 lakh, and the eligibility limit for families increased to an annual income of less than Rs 5 lakh.
Education: Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme is to be expanded to Class 8 from the current primary student participation of 15 lakh students.
Public transport: As the Vidiyal Payanam free bus service for women strengthens, the government will introduce an additional 10,000 new buses over the next five years.
Stalin warned against “disorder” and political rivals
In his speech, the CM made forceful statements against the BJP and accused the national political party of trying to create disruption in Tamil Nadu.
Stalin alleged that “external forces” were trying to trigger communal and caste-based violence similar to incidents seen in states like Uttar Pradesh and Manipur. He credited the DMK’s governance for ensuring that Tamil Nadu remains free of mob violence and prolonged unrest, asserting that his administration has effectively neutralised all attempts to disturb the state’s law and order.
