Stalin unveils DMK’s ‘superstar’ manifesto, promises extra push for TN economy

The manifesto included several forward-looking promises that would spur the State's economy.

Published Mar 29, 2026 | 7:26 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 29, 2026 | 7:26 PM

DMK President MK Stalin and other leaders unveiling the party's manifesto at Anna Arivalayam on Sunday.

Synopsis: Making his appeal transcend Tamil Nadu’s borders, Stalin also promised to highlight the contentious issue of Centre-State relations nationwide, making the Justice Kurian Joseph Commission report a talking point in India. He said all necessary steps would be initiated to uphold the rights of State governments.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President MK Stalin on Sunday, 29 March, unveiled his party’s manifesto for the 23 April Assembly elections, ahead of his statewide poll campaign expected to begin on 31 March.

Releasing the manifesto at Anna Arivalayam, the DMK’s headquarters in Chennai, Stalin made a slew of promises that would, if implemented, directly or indirectly impact the lives of women and youth, giving an extra impetus to his pet theme of Dravidian Model of Governance.

Making his appeal transcend Tamil Nadu’s borders, Stalin also promised to highlight the contentious issue of Centre-State relations nationwide, making the Justice Kurian Joseph Commission report a talking point in India. He said all necessary steps would be initiated to uphold the rights of State governments.

The manifesto included several forward-looking promises that would spur the State’s economy. They include:

Smart economic multipliers: Monetary support is extended in a way that uplifts the local economy, supports small businesses, upskills people, and upgrades long-term outcomes.
Development and welfare move together, proving you can build infrastructure, grow the economy, and uplift people simultaneously.
From one-size-fits-all to choice-based governance: People decide what works for them.
Long-term thinking over short-term optics, focused on creating assets, improving productivity, generating economic activity, and delivering measurable long-term returns
This is a next-phase document: It builds on what has already been delivered and scales it with smarter design, deeper impact, and wider reach.

Stalin has taken a more benevolent stand towards women, students and families:

The Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme will now be increased to ₹2,000. The scheme has been providing ₹1,000 per month to eligible women heads of families.
Illa Tharasi coupon worth ₹8,000 for women to choose and buy new or replace whatever household item they need for their family: Washing machine, television, refrigerator, grinder, microwave oven or induction stove.
Free rides for women on state-run buses will continue.
Women in self-help groups will be supported to become entrepreneurs through bank loans of up to ₹5 lakh with subsidy and without collateral.
Private or government, medical treatment now covered up to ₹10 lakh. Scheme to be expanded to families earning up to ₹5 lakh annually.
Pension increased to ₹2,000 a month for senior citizens, widows and spinsters above the age of 50.
Free electricity will continue, and modern electric pump sets without any meters will be provided to more than 2 million farmers.
Under various schemes, 1 million new houses will be constructed in Tamil Nadu over the next five years.
The Chief Minister’s breakfast scheme will cover an additional 1.5 million students. Previously implemented for students from Classes 1 to 5, the scheme will now be expanded up to Class 8.
To increase higher education enrolment among college students, the monthly assistance under the Pudhumai Penn and Tamil Pudhalvan schemes will be increased from ₹1,000 to ₹1,500.
Laptops will be provided to 3.5 million students pursuing higher education over five years. Under the “Naan Mudhalvan” scheme, 500,000 youth will receive six months of training with a monthly stipend of ₹1,500 to enhance employability.
To create 200,000 new jobs, new industrial and technology parks will be established in every district by 2030. Investments worth ₹18 lakh crore will be attracted, generating employment for 5 million youth.
High-quality sports hostels with food and accommodation facilities will be established in all districts.
Educational assistance for students belonging to the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes, Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes, and De-notified Communities will be increased.

Other key promises

The assured pension scheme announced for government employees and teachers in Tamil Nadu will be implemented effectively. After the Union Government implements the 8th Pay Commission recommendations, a committee will be formed to extend it to State government employees and teachers.
About 150,000 government vacancies will be filled without delay. Promotions for government staff and teachers will be ensured on time.
Under the “Thayumanavar” scheme, the most vulnerable families will be identified and provided with housing, social security, livelihood support, skill development, and bank credit.
The procurement price of paddy will be increased to ₹3,500 per quintal, and the sugarcane procurement price will be raised to ₹4,500 per tonne.
The procurement price of milk will be increased by ₹5 per litre.
Old-age pension will be increased from ₹1,200 to ₹2,000, and assistance for persons with disabilities will be increased from ₹1,500 to ₹2,500.
The fishing ban period relief will be increased from ₹8,000 to ₹12,000, and the lean fishing season relief will be increased from ₹6,000 to ₹9,000.
A World Tamil Conference will be conducted in Chennai, bringing together international Tamil scholars and experts to honour the Tamil language and culture.
Disaster compensation will be enhanced: ₹25,000 per acre for irrigated and paddy crops, ₹27,000 for long-term crops, and ₹12,000 for rain-fed crops.
Dialysis facilities in government hospitals from district to taluk levels will be doubled.
Tamil Nadu’s exports will be increased to $120 billion, strengthening its position in global trade. IT exports will be doubled from ₹2.5 lakh crore to ₹5 lakh crore.
Renovation works, including Kumbabishekam, will be carried out in 5,000 temples, along with the restoration of 1,000 village temples.
The loan ceiling under TAMCO for minority entrepreneurs will be increased to ₹30 lakh.
Under the rural roads scheme, 15,000 km of roads will be upgraded at a cost of ₹10,000 crore.
50 new classical Tamil parks will be created in all corporations and major municipalities.
New satellite cities with modern infrastructure will be developed near Tiruchirappalli, Madurai, Coimbatore, and Salem.
10,000 new buses will be introduced over the next five years.