Electoral Promises: Welfare Schemes and Political Outcomes

Senior Congress functionary Praveen Chakravarty criticized DMK's women's assistance scheme, highlighting its limited impact on electoral success. Citing past government failures in similar initiatives, he argued against relying solely on welfare schemes for political victory. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Stalin defended the initiative amid claims of political adversaries trying to halt it.

Senior Congress figure Praveen Chakravarty has expressed skepticism over the electoral effectiveness of the DMK's women's assistance initiative. While acknowledging the scheme's merit, he warned against assuming it would secure election success, noting five out of nine similar historical attempts have previously fallen short.

Chief Minister M K Stalin recently initiated a financial distribution to women under the 'Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai' scheme. Claiming it as a surprise for citizens and a shock for political opponents, he defied attempts to freeze the welfare initiative spearheaded by his government.

Despite PM Stalin's assurances, Chakravarty pointed to historical data showing limited success of comparable political schemes in securing electoral victories. In particular, he highlighted failures of welfare promises by Congress in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, where the party subsequently lost state elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)