Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s surgical action of crediting ₹5,000 each in the bank accounts of over 1.31 crore women beneficiaries of the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam (KMUT), triggers exactly this uncomfortable thought. Previously, in Tamil Nadu, the ECI had suspended a cash support scheme for farmers (2004) and distribution of free colour television sets (2011). Offering cash benefits through government schemes on poll eve does not guarantee absolute voter loyalty. At least, in the case of Tamil Nadu, this was an ongoing scheme since 2023, and only the newly added summer assistance raises a political stink.

Source: The Hindu February 16, 2026 06:15 UTC