Tamil Nadu state government on Monday began cash distribution of Rs 2,500 as Pongal gift. AIADMK party workers visited the ration shops and celebrated the launch of the scheme. However, the scheme is dubbed by the Opposition party DMK as a mode to induce voters ahead of the Assembly polls in May 2021.
“Crackers were burst and some of them distributed sweets in rations shops at Chennai. The AIADMK is hoping high on the Rs 2,500 gift ahead of Assembly polls and we have to wait and watch on the political outcome of the scheme in the upcoming polls,” a Political commentator told. “The state has been suffering from the freebie culture introduced by the Dravidian majors DMK and AIADMK. The DMK which is now crying foul will continue the scheme if voted to power,” he added.
Few districts like vellore and Tiruvallur complained the tokens are yet to reach the public. There have been incidents of stampede deaths in ration shops while distributing cash and it is for the authorities to plan and then distribute the cash without any hindrance for beneficiaries, a retired school teacher from Vaniyambadi in Vellore district said. C Ashok, a DMK worker in Egmore stating that state is distributing tax payers’ money to the public and said, “Public are elated while receiving the cash and there is a visible joy in their face while counting the notes. This scheme will reduce the anti-incumbency for the AIADMK, but this scheme cannot stop the DMK from forming the next government".
TN government to issue tokens for Pongal Gift Hamper from December 26
Tamil Nadu government allocates Rs 5600 crore for Pongal Gift Hampers
