G.K. Vasan accuses DMK of using welfare schemes for electoral gains

Tamil Maanila Congress president G.K. Vasan on Saturday (December 13, 2025) accused the ruling DMK of using welfare schemes for electoral gains, calling the distribution of laptops to students four-and-a-half years into its tenure an “election gimmick.”

Addressing the media, Mr. Vasan said schemes such as monthly cash assistance for women and other benefit distributions were being implemented to secure votes rather than for genuine public welfare. He urged people to remain vigilant and said governance should not be reduced to “vote-based business.”

He called for the withdrawal of the 30% increase in guideline value for house plots and agricultural lands, alleging it had caused severe hardship to the public. Mr. Vasan also criticised the cancellation of more than 1,000 registered sale deeds by sub-registrars across the State, saying it had forced thousands into legal battles. He urged the government to take immediate corrective steps and provide relief to affected people.

On the impeachment motion against Justice G.R. Swaminathan of the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, Mr. Vasan said India is governed by the rule of law and accused the DMK of attempting to politicise the judiciary, particularly with an eye on elections. He said politics in the name of temples by the ruling party and its allies was inappropriate.

Alleging that the DMK government was acting against the spirit of federalism, Mr. Vasan said several Central government welfare schemes were being obstructed in the State due to conflicting approaches by the State government.

Mr. Vasan said the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the State was strong under AIADMK leadership and that conditions were favourable for further alliance expansion. He added that the timing for political realignments was approaching and expressed confidence in an AIADMK-led front.

On speculation about new parties joining the NDA, he said political decisions required time and maturity, and that announcements would be made at an appropriate stage.