CHENNAI: In a game of one-upmanship between DMK and AIADMK on populist pledges ahead of the Assembly polls, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Tuesday gave five more poll promises, including a one-time cash assistance of Rs 10,000 to all families in Tamil Nadu “to offset the rising living cost due to multiple taxes levied by the DMK government”, and Rs 1,000 cash aid for Pongal.
Palaniswami, who had earlier made 10 poll promises in two installments, announced the third set of assurances on the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa during a press briefing at the AIADMK headquarters in Chennai.
Palaniswami charged that the DMK regime led by Chief Minister M K Stalin has levied multiple taxes, causing a sharp rise in the prices of essential commodities over the past five years, severely affecting the people.
Taxes such as property, house and water tax, and hike in electricity charge have increased the daily financial burden of families. “To reduce this hardship, assistance of Rs 10,000 will be provided to every family,” Palaniswami said.
The AIADMK leader said graduates who have registered with employment exchange and await jobs will be provided a monthly assistance of Rs 2,000. Those who have studied up to Class 12 and registered with employment exchange will get a monthly aid of Rs 1,000, he said.
Reiterating his promise made on Sunday at a public meeting in Ponneri, Palaniswami said that during the fishing ban period, the relief assistance given to fishers will be increased from the current Rs 8,000 to Rs 12,000. The AIADMK chief said that along with the annual gift hamper given for Thai Pongal, Rs 1,000 cash will also be provided.
He also announced that the existing free electricity supply for handloom weavers will be increased from 300 units to 450 units. For powerloom weavers, it will be enhanced from 1,000 units to 1,400 units. Palaniswami said loans obtained from cooperative banks by small traders running pavement shops in urban areas will be waived.
When reporters asked whether Rs 10,000 cash assistance will be given to all families, Palaniswami replied in the affirmative and clarified that it will be a one-time assistance.
AIADMK will increase revenue resources to fulfil promises: EPS
When it was pointed out that the five new promises may increase the financial burden on the state government, Palaniswami said, “Even during the Covid-19 pandemic, the AIADMK regime had provided efficient governance when there was nil income to the state exchequer. The AIADMK government will increase revenue resources and fulfil the electoral promises.”
On whether the AIADMK government will also hike taxes to fulfil its electoral promises, Palaniswami explained that there are many ways to increase tax revenue. “Through experts in the finance department, we will explore all possible avenues for enhancing and augmenting revenue, and by increasing such taxes where feasible. We will mobilise the necessary funds to implement the schemes we have announced,” he added.
Asked if instead of providing Rs 10,000, can’t reducing taxes ease the difficulty faced by the people, the AIADMK chief said, “Under the DMK rule, the condition of people is like that they need to be put on a ventilator. So, to rescue them from this situation and as a first aid, Rs 10,000 will be given.”
Earlier in the day, Palaniswami paid floral tributes to the statue of J Jayalalithaa at the AIADMK headquarters, hoisted the party flag, and distributed sweets to cadres. He also cut a 78-kg cake to mark the 78th birth anniversary of the late leader and distributed welfare assistance. He also took part in the International Women’s Day celebrations organised by the AIADMK’s women’s wing.
EPS hints at hiking tax
On whether the AIADMK, if voted to power, will hike taxes to fulfil poll promises, EPS said there are many ways to increase tax revenue. “Through finance experts, we will explore all possible avenues. By increasing taxes wherever feasible, we will mobilise the necessary funds to implement the announced schemes,” he said
