TN govt rolls out ₹7,600-crore Pongal gifts ahead of polls

With elections approaching, Tamil Nadu-long known for pre-poll welfare schemes ranging from TV sets to gold chains-is witnessing another festive-linked outreach. The MK Stalin-led government on Thursday began distributing a special 'Pongal Gift Hamper' to 2.2 crore rice ration card holders and Sri Lankan Tamils living in camps across the state.

The gift hamper includes one kg of rice, one kg of sugar, one sugarcane and ₹3,000 in cash. Distribution is being carried out through fair price shops across the state and will continue till Monday.

Along with the gift hamper, the government has also allocated funds for distributing 1.77 crore dhotis and 1.77 crore sarees to beneficiaries. The total expenditure on the Pongal package is estimated at ₹7,604.29 crore.


On Friday, Chief Minister MK Stalin also launched 'Unga Kanava Sollunga' (Tell Your Dream), a public outreach initiative aimed at reaching households to understand their aspirations and expectations from the government. The initiative is expected to help the DMK-led government strengthen its grassroots connect ahead of the assembly elections.