Vijay’s poll promises spark online row; netizens compare welfare plans with Andhra Pradesh schemes

Chennai: Actor-turned-politician Vijay has drawn criticism on social media after unveiling a series of election promises for women and families, with several netizens alleging that many of the proposals resemble welfare schemes implemented in Andhra Pradesh under Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

The controversy emerged as political activity intensified in Tamil Nadu ahead of the upcoming elections, with parties stepping up campaign efforts and rolling out welfare commitments. The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam has already announced its promises in phases, while Vijay has now presented a set of proposals centred largely on women’s welfare.

Promises announced at Women’s Day event

The announcements were made during a Women’s Day celebration organised by Vijay’s party in Mahabalipuram near Chennai ahead of International Women's Day.

Addressing party workers and supporters, Vijay criticised the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and unveiled a series of election commitments aimed at women’s safety, financial support and education.

Soon after the announcements, social media users began comparing several of the proposals with welfare schemes introduced in Andhra Pradesh by the government led by Chandrababu Naidu.

Andhra Pradesh schemes cited by critics

Critics pointed to several welfare initiatives implemented in Andhra Pradesh:

Aadabidda Nidhi: ₹1,500 monthly financial support for eligible women aged 18 to 59.

Talliki Vandanam: ₹15,000 annual assistance for families of students studying from Classes 1 to 12.

Deepam 2.0: Three free LPG cylinders every year for households.

Stree Shakti: Free travel for women in state-run buses, including AC and inter-state services.

Shakti Teams: Special plain-clothes police units comprising women to ensure safety of women and children.

According to critics online, similar ideas appear in Vijay’s list of electoral commitments.

Key welfare promises announced by Vijay

During the event, Vijay announced a set of proposals focused on women’s welfare and social support:

Separate department for the safety of women, children and the elderly.

• Madhippu Migu Magalir scheme: ₹2,500 monthly assistance for women heads of families up to 60 years of age, except families of state and Union government employees.
• Annapoorani Super Six scheme: Six free LPG cylinders annually for every household.
• Annan Seer scheme: Eight grams of gold and a silk saree for women’s marriages.
• Kamarajar Education Assurance Scheme: ₹15,000 yearly assistance to mothers or guardians to prevent school dropouts from Classes 1 to 12.
• Vetri Payanam scheme: Free travel for women in all state-run buses.
• Rani Velu Nachiyar Force: A special women-led unit with body cameras to ensure zero tolerance for crimes against women.
• Anjalai Ammal fast-track women’s courts: Special courts to ensure speedy trials in crimes against women.
• Zero Dark Spots initiative: Emergency buttons linked to a 24/7 command centre installed in public transport vehicles and expanded CCTV surveillance in poorly lit areas.
• Free sanitary pads through ration shops, schools and colleges.
• Singap Pengal development scheme: Interest-free loans up to ₹5 lakh for women-run self-help groups and support for groups transitioning into MSMEs.
• Thaymaman Thanga Modhiram scheme: A gold ring and baby welcome kit for every newborn child in the state.

Political debate gathers pace

The criticism circulating online has largely centred on claims that several of the promises resemble welfare models already implemented in Andhra Pradesh, with some social media users alleging that the proposals are “adapted versions” of existing schemes.

Supporters of Vijay, however, argue that welfare measures such as financial assistance for women, education incentives and safety initiatives are common policy approaches adopted by multiple state governments.

With elections approaching in Tamil Nadu, welfare promises remain central to the political narrative, and the debate over Vijay’s proposals has added to the intensifying campaign discourse.