The BJP on Tuesday released its Tamil Nadu election manifesto, with party president JP Nadda unveiling a series of welfare and governance promises, while also launching sharp criticism of the ruling DMK.
Speaking at the release, Nadda said it was “auspicious” to unveil the manifesto on Tamil New Year and noted that the day also marks the 150th birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar. He said Tamil Nadu represents “the cradle of the world’s oldest civilisation” and expressed pride in its cultural legacy, invoking figures such as Thiruvalluvar and Subramania Bharati.
On the welfare front, the BJP promised Rs 2,000 per month to women heads of households, three free LPG cylinders annually, and a one-time Rs 10,000 payment to every household to offset tax hikes and rising living costs. The manifesto also proposed a Rs 25,000 subsidy for eligible women to purchase e-scooters, Rs 2,000 monthly assistance for those rearing jallikattu bulls, and Rs 10 lakh ex gratia in case of participant deaths.
The party also announced a 3% stamp duty concession for first-time women homebuyers, a Rs 10,000 one-time household assistance scheme, and continued support measures including Rs 8,000 coupons for household goods.
It also proposed two-hour daily darshan slots in major temples, reserved for local residents, and the continuation of Karthigai Deepam rituals, including lighting atop Thiruparankundram hill.
On governance and law and order, Nadda alleged that Tamil Nadu has seen a 51% rise in drug-related offences and accused the DMK of corruption and family rule. He named several DMK leaders in alleged scams, including cash-for-jobs and tender-related irregularities, and called the ruling party “protectors of corruption.”
The BJP also announced measures to strengthen policing, including Zero FIR implementation, fast-track courts for heinous crimes, and installation of 100 CCTV cameras in buses, schools, and universities to improve safety and surveillance.
