CHENNAI — In a major move to recapture power in the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections, the AIADMK (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) has officially released the first phase of its election manifesto.

AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) announced a slew of populist measures on Saturday, January 17, 2026, aimed at outdoing the current DMK government’s welfare schemes. The highlights include a first-of-its-kind “Free Bus” scheme for men and significant financial aid for women.

Key Highlights of the AIADMK 2026 Manifesto:

1. Universal Free City Bus Travel

In a strategic expansion of existing policies, AIADMK has promised free travel for men on city buses. Currently, the “Magalir Vidiyal Payanam” scheme implemented by the DMK provides free rides only to women. EPS stated that under an AIADMK government, this benefit would extend to everyone, ensuring cost-free local transit for all citizens.

2. ‘Kulavilakku Scheme’: ₹2,000 for Women

Targeting the women’s vote bank, the party has introduced the Kulavilakku Scheme. Under this initiative:

• Every family holding a valid ration card will receive ₹2,000 per month.

• The amount will be credited directly to the bank account of the woman head of the family.

• This effectively doubles the amount currently provided under the DMK’s Urimai Thogai scheme.

3. Reviving the ‘Amma Two-Wheeler’ Scheme

AIADMK plans to bring back the popular “Amma Two-Wheeler” scheme with enhanced benefits:

• 5 lakh women will be provided with a government subsidy of ₹25,000 for the purchase of a new scooter.

• The scheme aims to empower working women and students by easing their daily commute.

4. ‘Amma Illam’: Free Concrete Houses

Addressing the housing crisis, the manifesto promises:

• Rural Areas: The government will purchase land and construct concrete houses for those who do not own a home.

• Urban Areas: For the urban poor, the government will provide free apartments built on government-purchased land.

5. Boost to Rural Employment

The party has also committed to enhancing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). While the current limit is 100 days, AIADMK has promised to increase the guaranteed work period to 150 days per year.

Political Context: The 2026 Battle

The announcement comes at a time when political tension in Tamil Nadu is at its peak. With the entry of actor Vijay’s TVK party and the growing influence of the BJP-AIADMK alliance, the 2026 elections are expected to be a multi-cornered fight.

By releasing these high-impact promises early, EPS has set the stage for a “welfare war” with Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s DMK.

Tamil Nadu’s Stalin to Table Bill Targeting Hindi Use in Public Domain, Cinema

Udhayanidhi Calls Sanskrit ‘Dead Language’ to Criticize Funding; BJP Demands Apology

Across Air, Road & Pilgrimage: India Shaken by String of Deadly Accidents