In Tiruchirappalli (Tamil Nadu), on April 1, Chief Minister MK Stalin accused the BJP of plotting violence in Tamil Nadu, allegedly similar to what happened in Uttar Pradesh and Manipur, and asserted that this was prevented.
Addressing a DMK rally in Tiruchirappalli, Stalin, the president of the ruling DMK, highlighted the schemes implemented by his government in the region. These included the Panchapur bus terminus, a mini-stadium, a jallikattu arena, model schools, and combined drinking water schemes.
Soon after the DMK regained power, a large library named after Kamarajar, a TIDEL park, and an Olympic Academy will be inaugurated in the region, and Tiruchirappalli's development is a challenge for the capital city of Chennai, he said.
Stalin stated that over the past 5 years, projects worth Rs 26,066 crore have been completed in Tiruchirappalli, and "that is why I am seeking your votes."
He emphasized that his government successfully implemented measures, including fare-free travel for women on buses, and that 9 lakh students received assistance of Rs 1,000 per month for higher education.
In January of this year, a cash gift of Rs 3,000 was provided to all rice ration card holders for Pongal, the harvest festival.
He also mentioned the distribution of Rs 5,000 to 1.31 crore women beneficiaries in February – Rs 1,000 per month for 3 months, in addition to a Rs 2,000 summer grant, and the assured pension plan announced for state government employees (TAPS).
Furthermore, he said, "There have been no caste riots or religious riots in Tamil Nadu, unlike in states ruled by the BJP. There have been no instances of mob violence like those seen in Uttar Pradesh."
He claimed that the BJP's conspiracies to create these situations have been thwarted. He attributed this success to the peaceful environment and skilled human resources under the DMK's governance.
He stated that the DMK's election manifesto provides a clear action plan for the next level of growth, including a commitment to double the Rs 1,000 monthly grant for women to Rs 2,000.
Under the Pudhumai Penn and Tamil Puthalvan schemes, college students currently receiving Rs 1,000 per month will receive Rs 1,500. The breakfast scheme will be extended to Class 8, benefiting 15 lakh students, Stalin said.
Under the proposed "Illatharasi" scheme, homemakers will be given coupons worth Rs 8,000 to purchase household appliances like washing machines, refrigerators, TVs, grinders, mixers, microwave ovens, and induction stoves, from shops, brands, and models of their choice.
Stalin stated that the alliance formed by the AIADMK, which had led to decline in all sectors during its decade-long rule (2011-21), and the BJP, which had led the nation to an unprecedented downfall, must be defeated in this election.
Palaniswami, out of envy over the DMK's promise of giving Rs 8,000 coupons to homemakers, had labelled it a corrupt plan, the chief minister said. Stalin claimed that a leader "who was running a regime solely to award contracts to his relatives" made this allegation.
He emphasised that every product provided by the DMK regime to people was of high quality, citing the example of Late DMK chief Karunanidhi's promise of colour TVs.
"After winning the election and forming the government, Karunanidhi formed a committee comprising all parties, including the opposition AIADMK, to ensure transparent and high-quality procurement. By September 2006, the distribution began, and over 1.5 crore colour televisions were delivered to Tamil households. Nearly twenty years later, those sets still functioned in many homes—not merely as colour TV sets but as enduring symbols of quality."
In contrast, Stalin alleged that the mixer-grinders and fans distributed during the AIADMK regime had ended up in scrap shops. He claimed that Palaniswami, despite this, continued to speak recklessly.
Stalin also assured that over 20 lakh farmers availing free electricity will be given modern pump sets without meters. Paddy procurement price will be increased to Rs 3,500 per quintal. Sugarcane procurement price will be raised to Rs 4,500 per ton. Milk procurement price will be raised by Rs 5 per litre. Old Age Pension (OAP) will be increased to Rs 2,000 per month. Assistance for differently-abled individuals will be increased to Rs 2,500 per month.