BJP Unveils Tamil Nadu Election Manifesto
Union Minister JP Nadda, on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, presented the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) election manifesto for Tamil Nadu, outlining a comprehensive range of welfare and governance promises. The unveiling, which Nadda described as "auspicious," coincided with Tamil New Year and the 150th birth anniversary of Dr. BR Ambedkar.
Key Welfare Pledges
The BJP's manifesto for Tamil Nadu features several significant commitments designed to address economic and social well-being:
- ₹2,000 per month for women heads of households.
- Three LPG cylinders annually provided to every household.
- A one-time payment of ₹10,000 to offset tax hikes and rising living costs.
- ₹3,000 in additional support for farmers, bringing their total support to ₹9,000 annually when combined with central schemes.
- ₹25,000 subsidy for eligible women purchasing e-scooters.
- ₹2,000 per month for individuals involved in rearing Jallikattu bulls.
- ₹10 lakh ex gratia compensation in the event of Jallikattu-related deaths.
- Interest-free loans up to ₹50 lakh for self-help groups and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
- A 3% stamp duty concession for first-time women homebuyers.
- ₹8,000 coupons for household goods.
- Two-hour daily darshan slots in major temples, specifically reserved for local devotees.
- Continuation of Karthigai Deepam rituals, including the traditional lighting of the deepam atop Thiruparankundram hill.
Governance and Safety Initiatives
Beyond welfare, Nadda also addressed critical governance issues, highlighting a reported 51% rise in drug-related crimes in Tamil Nadu and accusing the DMK of protecting corrupt leaders. If elected, the BJP pledged to implement Zero FIR, establish fast-track courts for heinous crimes, and install 100 CCTV cameras in buses, schools, and universities to bolster safety and surveillance.
The manifesto further commits to optimizing the utilization of the Nirbhay fund and mandating that 20% of procurement quotas for manufacturing units be allocated to women-led cooperatives, self-help groups, and MSMEs.
Election Schedule
Voting in Tamil Nadu is scheduled to take place in a single phase on April 23, 2026. The counting of votes will occur on May 4, 2026. The state comprises 234 assembly seats, with 44 reserved for Scheduled Castes and 2 for Scheduled Tribes.