AIADMK Promises Interest-Free Loans to Minorities for Tamil Nadu Elections
AIADMK unveils minority-focused initiatives and welfare schemes as it gears up for a tough multi-cornered fight in Tamil Nadu.
In a strategic move ahead of the Tamil Nadu elections, AIADMK has announced a series of minority-focused initiatives, including interest-free loans for women among Muslims and Christians to support self-employment, along with educational loan waivers. Party chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) unveiled the proposals on Wednesday as part of the party’s second list of key poll promises.
The AIADMK has recently revived its alliance ties with the BJP, hoping to regain lost ground among minority voters. In the 2019 and 2021 elections, the party faced defeats as minorities largely boycotted the AIADMK-BJP alliance, contributing to DMK’s consecutive victories. Despite snapping ties in 2024, the AIADMK failed to gain momentum, leaving the DMK firmly in power.
However, challenges remain for AIADMK to woo back minority voters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his recent Tamil Nadu visit, did not mention the AIADMK while endorsing an NDA government, creating embarrassment for the state party. AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Sathyan clarified that the party continues to lead the alliance in Tamil Nadu despite BJP’s national references.
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The opposition landscape in the state is further complicated by internal factionalism. Expelled leaders like O. Panneerselvam (OPS) have not rejoined, while TTV Dhinakaran has returned. Other allies such as the PMK and smaller parties remain divided, and actor Vijay’s TVK has opted to contest alone, rejecting direct or indirect alliances with the BJP.
Under EPS’s leadership, AIADMK faces a critical electoral test after losing three successive polls since the demise of former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa. Beyond minority-focused loans, the party has also promised three free LPG cylinders annually for ration card holders and free bus rides for men, expanding the DMK’s women-focused transport initiative.
With Tamil Nadu heading into a four-cornered contest, including Seeman’s NTK running independently, AIADMK aims to leverage welfare schemes and minority outreach to regain relevance. Analysts suggest the party’s survival depends on consolidating fragmented support while presenting itself as a viable alternative to the DMK.
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