TVK wrests nearly half of DMK, AIADMK seats — but why is Vijay's CM dream so near yet so far

₹2,500 monthly assistance for women, 200 units of free electricity, full farm loan waivers for small farmers, and 75% local hiring.People also askAI powered insights from this story•5 QUESTIONSTVK's manifesto includes promises such as

₹2,500 monthly assistance for women heads of families, 200 units of free electricity, full farm loan waivers for small farmers, and 75% local hiring. Other promises include six free LPG cylinders annually, gold and silk saree for marriages, and education loans up to

₹20 lakh.The projected annual expenditure on welfare or freebie spending by the new government is estimated to be close to

₹1 lakh crore. This represents an increase of over 52% from the

₹65,000 crore spent by the previous DMK government on similar schemes.CM Vijay stated that the state has been burdened with a debt exceeding

₹10 lakh crore and that the treasury has been completely emptied. He plans to publish a white paper detailing the state's financial position for the 2021-2026 period.The culture of election promises, or 'freebies,' in Tamil Nadu politics has evolved from social welfare measures like subsidized food to more expansive promises such as free televisions, laptops, bus travel, and cash assistance. Rival parties often compete with such welfare promises.The Supreme Court has expressed concerns that freebies may lead to worklessness among people and are fiscally burdensome. The Chief Election Commissioner has also flagged the need for legal answers to curb the announcement of freebies by political parties during election campaigns.Soon after taking office, Vijay unveiled five key announcements aimed at implementing his electoral commitments. The first was a scheme offering 200 units of free electricity to domestic consumers in every billing cycle, albeit with conditions attached. Under the scheme, only households consuming up to 500 units during a two-month billing cycle would be eligible for the concession.The announcement triggered criticism on social media, with detractors alleging that Vijay had promised 200 units of free electricity for all consumers during the campaign, but had now imposed restrictions on eligibility.'Freebie' culture of Tamil NaduPre-poll promises are not a new thing in India. And in fact, the culture of election promise, also referred to as has evolved over decades into one of the defining features of Tamil Nadu politics, with rival parties competing through expansive welfare promises and consumer giveaways.What began as social welfare measures such as subsidised food and school meals under MG Ramachandran (AIADMK founder) later expanded into free televisions, mixer-grinders, laptops, bus travel, cash assistance and electricity subsidies under leaders like J Jayalalithaa (AIADMK) and M Karunanidhi (DMK).

Breakdown of TVK poll promises SchemeBeneficiary PromiseAnnual Cost in CroresSourceMadhippumigu Magalir Thittam1.57 Crore ₹2500/month ₹47,100TN GovtLPG Cylinders1.85 Crore Households6/yr at

₹900 each ₹9,990 2011 CensusYouth Internship5 Lakh/yrGraduates at

₹10000/MonthITI/diploma at

₹8000/Month5,400ManifestoHealth insurance 1.5 Cr familiesPrmius at

₹16981,274Govt data

Supporters say these schemes improved living standards, boosted access to education and reduced poverty, while critics describe them as fiscally burdensome populism designed to secure votes.Supre