NTK chief coordinator Seeman on Wednesday took aim at the DMK’s promise of an Rs 8,000 coupon, asking sarcastically whether Chief Minister M.K. Stalin would “give away the CM post” if the coupon could buy anything.
Speaking while campaigning for NTK candidates in Chennai constituencies including Alandur, Ambattur, Villivakkam and Royapuram, Seeman criticised what he called a long-running culture of welfare announcements by the DMK and AIADMK. He argued that despite decades of rule, assistance such as Rs 1,000 a month for women reflected continuing poverty.
Seeman said voters should question how parties plan to fund promises such as Rs 2,000 or Rs 2,500 payments, an Rs 8,000 coupon, and a Rs 10,000 “poverty eradication” amount. He also mocked the idea that votes can be won through giveaways, suggesting that if freebies are the standard, anyone could promise gold, a car, fuel and a salaried driver.
He further claimed that alliance negotiations had been held even recently, with proposals to contest selectively in certain constituencies and withdraw in others, but said he rejected the offer. Urging people to vote thoughtfully for “good governance,” he delivered sharp criticism of the ruling party during the speech.
