Tamil Nadu assembly elections 2026: AIADMK general secretary EPS hits out at chief minister Stalin for DMK’s 8,000 coupon announcement

Chennai: AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Sunday criticised DMK's poll promises, alleging that the proposed 8,000 coupon scheme would lead to corruption by party functionaries. He also alleged that several announcements by chief minister M K Stalin were based on AIADMK's earlier proposals.

At Radhapuram in Tirunelveli, he said, "Stalin's coupon announcement is purely for commissions. The tokens will be distributed by DMK workers who will demand a cut before handing them over, and you will be told which brand to buy. We are not like that — under AIADMK, 10,000 will go directly into each family's bank account."





He said welfare announcements by DMK were in line with AIADMK's earlier proposals, including increasing monthly assistance for women from 1,500 to 2,000 and the 12,000 aid for fishermen during the ban period.

"He did not implement these promises before — how will people trust him to do it now," he asked adding that DMK did not fulfil one-fourth of the 525 promises made ahead of the 2021 elections. He said petrol and diesel prices were not reduced as promised by DMK. So were other promises like restoration of cooking gas subsidy, waiver of education loans and enhancement of MNREGA working days from 100 to 150 unfulfilled by DMK, charged EPS. Earlier, while campaigning at Nagercoil in support of NDA candidates, he said, "They introduced NEET when they were in power at the Centre, and now they pretend to oppose it. Even their own chief minister has admitted exemption is not possible. This is nothing but a calculated deception of the people."

He also said DMK discontinued the free laptop scheme and later resumed it with substandard devices. "Once AIADMK returns to power, a commission of inquiry will be constituted. If corruption is found, strict legal action will follow. Those responsible will be held accountable," he said.