Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin declared on Friday that his government has disbursed Rs 5,000 to approximately 1.31 crore women as part of the state’s women entitlement scheme. During a press briefing, he indicated that this financial aid includes an advance payment for the months of February, March, and April, as well as an additional Rs 2,000 termed as a ‘summer special allocation.’ The Chief Minister noted that if the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) secures another term in the upcoming Assembly elections, the monthly assistance for women will be increased from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 under a new initiative he described as “Dravidian Model 2.0.”

Stalin Addresses Potential Disruption of Funding

In his address, Stalin expressed concerns regarding attempts to halt the women’s rights scheme ahead of the elections. He emphasised the significance of the payout by stating that it would alleviate financial burdens for families. “Today morning, Rs 5,000 would have come to your account from our government. As a part of your family, I recognise how much you would suffer if the money is withheld for three months,” he stated. He also highlighted the challenges his administration faced following his assumption of office in 2021, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and financial challenges attributed to the previous AIADMK government.

Implementation of Previous Schemes

Stalin reminded the public of various schemes implemented since his party came to power, including a relief amount of Rs 4,000 that was distributed during the pandemic to safeguard livelihoods. He mentioned the launching of the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme in September 2023, which was initially aimed at benefiting 1.13 crore women and has since expanded to encompass 1.31 crore beneficiaries, especially targeting women heads of family who hold ration cards.

Opposition Criticises the Move

The announcement drew significant political criticism. Edappadi K Palaniswami, the leader of the opposition and chief of the AIADMK, stated that the government’s action indicates a “fear of defeat” in the upcoming elections. He claimed in a post on X that the Stalin-led administration had delayed implementing the scheme for 28 months and was now motivated by imminent election pressures. “Women will not trust this patchwork of crediting election-time money,” he said, noting that the initiative appears reactive following commitments by the AIADMK to provide Rs 2,000 monthly to women heads of family if they form the next government.

Further Opposition Comments

In addition, Tamilisai Soundararajan, a leader from the BJP, criticised the timing of the aid, suggesting that it was intended to sway voters in light of electoral uncertainty. TTV Dhinakaran, general secretary of the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam, argued that regardless of the financial incentives offered, the ruling party’s chances of success in the elections remain slim. He remarked that even if the DMK announced a higher payout, it would not alter the impending electoral outcome.