Major political parties have published their platform statements for the vote | Photo credit: PTI/B. Jothi Ramalingam
Manifestos play a key role in any election; they can even make or break political parties. In the 2006 elections, for example, the election manifesto of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) promised, among other things, rice at ₹2 per kg, free distribution of color televisions and gas stoves. According to political experts, this “hero” of the manifesto catapulted the party to power.
Suspended until 2026, social security promises continue to dominate the election manifestos of political parties contesting the April 23 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. While the AIADMK made many promises to women, such as free refrigerators, LPG cylinders and ₹2,000 per month in aid, the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) proposed a major administrative overhaul, including the creation of several functional capitals in Tamil Nadu, to ease pressure on Chennai and improve access to government. The ruling DMK, meanwhile, has promised all “income tax non-paying” do-it-yourselfers a voucher worth ₹8,000 to buy any electronic home appliance of their choice at the nearest stores.
Parties like AMMK, MDMK and TMC(M) have also released their manifestos.
Published – 31 March 2026 13:06 IST
