Tamil Nadu polls: 85% of 2021 promises met, 2026 manifesto will be gamechanger, says DMK MLA Ezhilan

CHENNAI: DMK MLA Ezhilan Naganathan said 85% of the party's promises made in 2021 poll manifesto have been fulfilled by the govt that the manifesto to be released for upcoming election would reshape Tamil Nadu's socio-economic landscape.

He told reporter in the city on Friday that there were high expectations for DMK's manifesto for the elections. He said the manifesto would fulfill expectations and would serve as a boost to the electoral prospects of the ruling party. He also took a dig at AIADMK's poll manifesto, alleging that the opposition party had fulfilled less than 33% of the promises they had give during their regime.

On a few allies expressing displeasure over allocation of seats and contesting under DMK's symbol, Ezhilan said differences during seat-sharing talks were natural. "Discussions and differences of opinion during alliance negotiations are the nature of democracy," he said, adding that success lies in listening to all partners and arriving at a consensus.

Dismissing opposition campaign, he said, "Stories of double engine and triple engine will not work here. In Tamil Nadu, it has always been the Dravidian engine." He reiterated that the election is for state rights and the self-respect of Tamils, and described it as a battle against communal and divisive forces.

Citing welfare measures, including monthly assistance to about 1.31 crore women, Pongal cash support, and the ‘Vidiyal Payanam' scheme, Ezhilan said DMK's initiatives have strengthened livelihoods and will aid the bid to secure a massive victory in more than 200 constituencies.