Udhayakumar accuses DMK of copying AIADMK’s manifesto

Madurai: Criticising the announcement made in the DMK election manifesto regarding a scheme called ‘Illatharasi,', deputy leader of the opposition R B Udhayakumar claimed DMK copied the idea from the AIADMK's election manifesto. Under the scheme, DMK promised to give a coupon of Rs 8,000 to households that do not fall under the ambit of income tax to either purchase new or exchange old household itemsThirumangalam MLA Udhayakumar on Monday filed nomination papers for the same constituency and began his campaign. On Tuesday, he campaigned at Maithanpatti and Servaikaranpatti villages. Addressing a gathering, Udhayakumar said chief minister M K Stalin copied AIADMK's election manifesto. "The announcement of the Rs 8,000 coupon scheme by DMK came only after AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami made an announcement in its election manifesto regarding a one-time family relief of Rs 10,000 to cushion the impact of rising prices," he said and asked why the DMK govt did not announce such scheme in past five years. "No matter how many announcements DMK makes, it cannot return to power."Listing various projects implemented by AIADMK for the Thirumangalam constituency, Udhayakumar assured that necessary steps would be taken to implement the Madurai metro rail project from Thirumangalam to Madurai. "During elections, some will come offering gifts. But the voters should give the gift of victory by casting their votes for the "Two Leaves" symbol. In this election, DMK will face defeat and AIADMK will triumph. AIADMK will also win the Thirumangalam constituency by a margin of 50,000 votes."