Stalin gives ₹6,550cr to women before election code kicks in
What's the story
In an early morning operation, the Tamil Nadu government transferred ₹6,550 crore under the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme. The money was credited to the bank accounts of 1.31 crore women beneficiaries before 6:00am. The transfer included ₹3,000 for three months' assistance (₹1,000 each for February, March, and April) and an additional ₹2,000 as a special summer package.
Political strategy
CM Stalin promises to double monthly grant if re-elected
Chief Minister M K Stalin defended the scheme as a "rights assistance" to women for their contribution to society. He wrote on X, "This promise given by this Stalin to Tamil Nadu women is the rights allocation. No matter who imposes obstacles, I will not back down from it." He also promised that if re-elected, the monthly grant would be doubled to ₹2,000. The transfer comes before any potential legal or administrative interruptions due to upcoming elections.
Electoral impact
Scheme aims to mobilize women voters, strengthen rural vote banks
The scheme is expected to mobilize women voters aged 30-70 and strengthen rural vote banks. It also aims to prevent women voters from drifting toward emerging political formations like actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Stalin justified his pre-emptive move, stating, "Using elections as an excuse, they are trying to stall the rights allocation for three months. What was promised was by our #DravidianModel government!"
Precedent
Similar schemes launched in other states before elections
The move is similar to schemes launched in other states before elections. In Maharashtra, the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana was launched ahead of the 2024 Assembly elections, providing ₹1,500 monthly to over 10 million eligible women. In Bihar too, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's government launched the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana before the September 2025 Assembly elections.
Twitter Post
MK Stalin's post announcing money transfer
தமிழ்நாட்டு மகளிருக்கு இந்த ஸ்டாலின் தந்த உறுதிமொழிதான் உரிமைத்தொகை. யார் தடை ஏற்படுத்தினாலும் அதிலிருந்து பின்வாங்க மாட்டேன்.
— M.K.Stalin - தமிழ்நாட்டை தலைகுனிய விடமாட்டேன் (@mkstalin) February 13, 2026
தேர்தலைக் காரணம் காட்டி, மூன்று மாதங்களுக்கு உரிமைத்தொகையை முடக்கப் பார்க்கிறார்கள். முந்திக்கொண்டது நமது #DravidianModel அரசு!
பிப்ரவரி, மார்ச்,… pic.twitter.com/n7VrMqcrb7