AIADMK releases second set of poll promises, including hike in pension, loan waiver

The AIADMK party has announced a new set of promises as part of its election campaign. The promises aim to improve the lives of senior citizens, widows, disabled persons, transgenders, and people involved in traditional sports. These promises include financial support and social welfare measures that could benefit many communities. The announcement was made by Edappadi K. Palaniswami, the General Secretary of the AIADMK, on February 4, 2026. The promises are part of the party’s efforts to attract voters and address important social issues. Key Highlights - The monthly social security pension for senior citizens, widows, destitute persons, disabled individuals, and transgenders will be increased from 1200 rupees to 2000 rupees. - Ration card holders will receive three free LPG gas cylinders each year. - Families of bull-tamers who die during Jallikattu events will be given 10 lakh rupees as compensation. - Individuals injured during Jallikattu will receive 2 lakh rupees in aid. - Jallikattu events hosted at government-approved locations will receive a subsidy of 5 lakh rupees. - The online registration system for Jallikattu will be replaced with a manual process, reversing the current online system. - Women from minority communities will have access to interest-free loans to start their own businesses. - Loans taken by differently-abled persons from cooperative banks will be waived. Current Status As of now, these promises have been announced but there has been no official confirmation about their implementation. The details shared are part of the electoral promises made by the party ahead of the upcoming elections. Why It Matters These promises focus on supporting vulnerable groups and promoting social welfare. Increasing pensions helps provide financial security to the elderly, widows, and disabled individuals. Offering free gas cylinders benefits households that rely on LPG for cooking. Supporting Jallikattu, a traditional sport, with financial aid and a return to manual registration aims to preserve cultural practices. Additionally, loans for women entrepreneurs and waivers for disabled persons can promote economic independence and assist those in need. Important Dates / Numbers - The promises were announced on February 4, 2026. - The increase in pension will nearly double the monthly support, from 1200 to 2000 rupees. - Three free LPG cylinders will be provided annually. - Compensation for bull-tamers’ families is set at 10 lakh rupees. - Injured participants in Jallikattu will receive 2 lakh rupees. - A subsidy of 5 lakh rupees is allocated for hosting Jallikattu events. - Interest-free loans will be available for women from minority communities. - Loan waivers will be granted to differently-abled persons who have borrowed from cooperative banks. Official Position Currently, there has been no official confirmation that these promises will be implemented. The details are part of the campaign announcements, and further steps will likely be communicated once the election process progresses. This set of promises illustrates the party’s focus on social welfare, cultural preservation, and support for marginalized groups. Voters and observers will be watching for official confirmation and details on how and when these measures might be put into action.