AIADMK Manifesto 2026: EPS Unveils Five Key Welfare Promises

AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) outlined the party's major welfare commitments for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, announcing five key promises aimed at women, rural workers, and the economically weaker sections.

Addressing reporters, Palaniswami said the AIADMK's manifesto is centred on inclusive growth and administrative efficiency, while asserting that large-scale welfare schemes can be implemented without harming the State's finances.

Under the Magalir Kulavilakku Thittam, Palaniswami announced that every family cardholder will receive Rs 2,000 per month, which will be directly credited to the bank accounts of women heads of households.

Responding to concerns over rising debt, EPS said the AIADMK had a proven track record of managing finances even during difficult periods.

In a significant expansion of the existing free travel scheme, Palaniswami said men travelling in city buses will also be allowed free travel, similar to the benefit currently extended to women.

When asked whether the move would strain the State's finances, he said such initiatives were feasible with strong governance and administrative capability.

The AIADMK leader announced the Amma Housing Scheme, under which concrete houses will be provided to families without homes.

In rural areas, the government will provide land and houses.

In urban areas, the State will purchase land and construct multi-storey apartment complexes for people in need.

For Scheduled Community families living jointly, separate houses will be built when sons set up independent households after marriage.

EPS said the 100-Day Employment Scheme will be expanded to 150 days, exceeding the Union government's proposal to raise it to 125 days. The move, he said, would strengthen rural livelihoods and job security.

Under the revived Amma Two-Wheeler Scheme, five lakh women will be provided with two-wheelers, each with a subsidy of Rs 25,000, to improve mobility and access to employment.

Palaniswami accused the ruling DMK of mismanaging finances, stating that when the AIADMK was in power, Tamil Nadu's debt stood at Rs 5.18 lakh crore, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The DMK promised to increase revenue and reduce debt by forming expert committees. Instead, the debt burden has only increased," he said.

He also recalled that in the 2021 Assembly elections, the AIADMK had promised Rs 1,500 per month to homemakers and six free LPG cylinders annually, underscoring the party's continued focus on welfare-oriented governance.

With these announcements, the AIADMK has sharpened its election pitch, positioning welfare delivery and administrative efficiency at the centre of its campaign for the 2026 polls.