Chennai, April 16 (IANS) Actor-turned-politician Vijay, chief of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), on Thursday evening released the party’s manifesto for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, promising an expansive welfare agenda, technology-driven governance, and sector-focused reforms aimed at reshaping the state’s economy and social structure.

Positioning TVK as a pro-people alternative, Vijay outlined a mix of direct financial assistance schemes and long-term development initiatives. The manifesto places significant emphasis on social security, employment generation, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in governance.

Among the key welfare promises, the party pledged a monthly assistance of Rs 2,500 for homemakers, Rs 4,000 as unemployment aid for graduates, and Rs 2,500 for diploma holders. Internship stipends ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 8,000 have also been proposed, along with an Rs 18,000 employment-linked support scheme targeting five lakh youth.

Senior citizens, widows, and persons with disabilities would receive Rs 3,000 per month, with pension coverage extended to 15 lakh beneficiaries.

The manifesto highlights women-centric initiatives, including interest-free loans of up to Rs 5 lakh and marriage assistance for poor brides in the form of one sovereign of gold and a silk saree. Free house pattas on government land have also been promised.

In the healthcare sector, TVK has assured free health check-ups, affordable medicines, and dedicated cancer insurance coverage.

Basic services form another major pillar, with commitments such as 200 units of free electricity per household, universal access to piped drinking water, and six free LPG cylinders annually.

The party has also proposed AI-driven solutions in governance and education, including AI-based systems to assist students preparing for competitive examinations. Plans for setting up free residential schools from Classes 6 to 12 have been included.

For farmers, the manifesto promises 50 per cent debt relief for those owning more than five acres, along with solar energy initiatives.

Fishermen have been assured a minimum support price mechanism, Rs 27,000 lean-season assistance, and insurance coverage of Rs 25 lakh.

Worker welfare measures include salaries of Rs 18,000 for anganwadi staff and Rs 10,000 for sanitation workers, alongside a Rs 15 lakh benefit for long-serving government employees.

Framing law and order as a priority, Vijay announced a “drug-free Tamil Nadu” initiative.

Economically, TVK has set an ambitious target of transforming Tamil Nadu into a $1.5 trillion economy by 2036, backed by a Rs 15,000 crore safety net for MSMEs.

With this manifesto, TVK seeks to combine welfare-driven policies with technology-led growth as it gears up for the April 23 Assembly polls.

–IANS

aal/pgh