Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu — NTK leader Seeman sharply criticized both the ruling DMK and opposition AIADMK parties on Thursday for prioritizing freebies over essential public services such as health and education in Tamil Nadu. Speaking at a campaign rally ahead of the April 23 state Assembly elections, Seeman urged a shift away from what he described as a “freebie culture” and promised a focus on upgrading government hospitals, improving education, ensuring access to clean drinking water, supporting farmers, and addressing unemployment if his party assumes power.

Seeman accused the DMK and AIADMK of relying on populist welfare schemes to maintain power over several decades, questioning the sustainability of such programs amid the state’s mounting debt, which he said has surpassed ₹10 lakh crore. “They should have concentrated on improving the standards of the people,” he said, stressing that the ongoing financial assistance initiatives were undermining long-term development.

The DMK, currently in government, has proposed several new welfare measures in its election manifesto, including an ₹8,000 coupon under the ‘Illatharasi’ scheme aimed at homemakers to purchase or replace household electronic appliances. The party also plans to increase the monthly payment under the ‘Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai’ women’s entitlement program from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000.

Meanwhile, the AIADMK has pledged to distribute free refrigerators to all rice ration cardholders and provide three free LPG cylinders annually to eligible households. Additionally, the party has promised a one-time grant of ₹10,000 to each family to help mitigate the ongoing challenges posed by inflation and rising taxes.

Both parties maintain that these welfare measures are necessary to support vulnerable sections of society amid economic challenges, while critics like Seeman argue that such policies contribute to fiscal stress and detract from investment in fundamental public infrastructure.

As the state prepares to vote on April 23, the contest reflects a broader debate over balancing immediate social assistance with sustainable economic management and development priorities.