One sovereign of gold and silk saree to brides, gold ring for newborn babies; Vijay’s TVK releases manifesto

CHENNAI: Actor Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has released its election manifesto ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The party has proposed a wide range of welfare schemes, mainly targeting women and youth. The manifesto includes major announcements for girls from economically weaker families.

Along with financial assistance for the marriage of economically disadvantaged young women, the party has promised one sovereign of gold and a silk saree. TVK has also pledged to provide a gold ring for newborn babies and a monthly assistance of Rs 17,000 for mothers after childbirth. Women below the age of 60 will receive a monthly financial assistance of Rs 2500. Each family will be provided six free LPG cylinders annually. Women's self-help groups will be eligible for interest-free loans of up to Rs 5 lakh.

In addition to women and youth, the manifesto includes key schemes for farmers and fishermen, who are considered an important voter base in Tamil Nadu. Promises include a waiver of agricultural loans and modernisation of the fishing sector. Farmers owning less than five acres of land will have their agricultural loans completely waived. The support price for sugarcane will be increased to Rs 4,500 per tonne and for paddy to Rs 3,500 per quintal. The party has also assured health insurance coverage of up to Rs 25 lakh per family.

To address unemployment, the party has promised a monthly allowance of Rs 4,000 for graduates and Rs 2,500 for diploma holders. It has also pledged to create five lakh new jobs. Vijay stated that strict action will be taken against the drug mafia. Through these populist promises, Vijay is aiming to make a strong political impact in Tamil Nadu following his entry into politics. The manifesto also emphasises development focused on addressing the basic needs of the people, beyond welfare measures.