Reports from multiple districts say DMK workers have been distributing Rs 8,000 coupons ahead of the election, triggering confusion among recipients and disputes at local shops.
The DMK’s election manifesto mentions a scheme titled “Illatharasi Thittam”, under which homemakers would receive a coupon worth Rs 8,000 to purchase household appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators, mixers and grinders.
In Tiruchirappalli district, images of coupons being handed to women in Thirumalai Samudram panchayat under the Srirangam constituency surfaced, following which a complaint was submitted to the Election Commission seeking action.
A similar distribution was reported in Marandahalli village near Palacode in Dharmapuri district, where the coupons reportedly carried details such as ration card number and the homemaker’s name. Women who believed the coupons were immediately usable went to nearby shops, but shopkeepers refused to accept them, leading to arguments. They were told that goods could be provided only if the DMK returns to power and issues a government order.
Coupons were also reported in parts of North Chennai, where AIADMK members allegedly confronted DMK workers over the distribution. Separately, the AIADMK advocates’ wing has filed a complaint with the Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer’s office, alleging targeted distribution to women voters in constituencies including Coimbatore South, Bargur and Palacode, and citing images said to show Palacode DMK candidate Senthilkumar distributing the coupons.
