Battle of freebies in Tamil Nadu: AIADMK, DMK indulge voters with laptops, free Internet, gold

Chennai: In a bid to don victor's crown in Tamil Nadu Assembly Election 2016, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), and other political parties are leaving no stone unturned in their attempt to please the voters.

Distribution of freebies during elections is a deeply ingrained tradition in India. Tamil Nadu is no exception.

The parties here dole out freebies to voters in cash or kind to ensure that the receiver casts his/her vote in their favour.

Here's a sneak peek into the world of promises:

AIADMK

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has promised free mobile phones and 50 percent subsidy for women who buy scooters if the AIADMK retained power in Assembly Elections.

The AIADMK leader also said that coupons worth Rs 500 would be given to all ration card holders, school students would continue to get free laptop and farm loans would be written off.

100 units of power consumed by households would be free and around 78 lakh households would benefit if AIADMK continues to retain power. She also announced free set-top box for all subscribers of government-owned cable television service.

The other major promises are: Amma Banking Card for poor, Continuing free goat scheme for poor families, Continuing with Amma Canteen and other Amma products and schemes, Financial assistance to poor pregnant women to go up to Rs 18,000, Free breakfast for primary school students and Eight gram of gold for poor girls when they get married.

DMK

The DMK has promised to give smartphones to poor people and free 3G/4G services along with free laptops and tablets, and 10 GB per month download option for 16 lakh students in the state.

The party has also promised a 20 kg free rice per month scheme in the state.

The DMK, trying hard to grab chief ministerial seat from Jayalalithaa, also offered a crop and educational loan waiver and a promise to reduce price of Aavin milk by Rs 7.

BJP

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has promised the return of the bull-taming sport Jallikattu from next year. It has also promised eight gram gold to eligible women in Below Poverty Line category for marriage.

DMDK

Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) has promised one-week celebration for the Pongal festival with public holiday for all schools.

The party has also promised to fix petrol prices at Rs 45 and diesel at Rs 35.

It has also claimed that at least 5,000 farmers will be sent abroad every year to learn latest techniques in farming.