CHENNAI — In a move that has electrified the political landscape of poll-bound Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Friday, February 13, 2026, oversaw the direct transfer of ₹5,000 into the bank accounts of 1.31 crore women.
The massive payout, part of the flagship Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai (Women’s Entitlement Scheme), is being viewed as a strategic “checkmate” to the Opposition. Stalin justified the advance payment by alleging that “vested interests” in Delhi and their local allies were conspiring to freeze the welfare scheme once the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) kicks in.
1. Breakdown of the ₹5,000 Payout
The consolidated amount credited on Friday morning isn’t just a monthly installment; it combines future entitlements with a new “seasonal” bonus.
- Advance Entitlement (₹3,000): Monthly assistance of ₹1,000 for February, March, and April 2026, paid in advance to ensure liquidity during the election season.
- Summer Special Grant (₹2,000): A one-time additional payment aimed at helping households manage rising utility costs and educational expenses during the upcoming exam season.
- Total Beneficiaries: 1.31 crore (13.1 million) women heads of households.
2. “Dravidian Model 2.0”: The ₹2,000 Promise
In a video message posted on X, Stalin raised the stakes for the upcoming Assembly polls. He officially announced that the monthly grant would be doubled to ₹2,000 if the DMK returns to power later this year.
“I can imagine the problems you will face if the monthly assistance is not credited… That is why I have ordered ₹5,000 be credited now. Under Dravidian Model 2.0, this ₹1,000 will become ₹2,000.” — CM M.K. Stalin
3. Opposition Slams “Election Bait”
The move triggered a firestorm of criticism from rival parties, who characterized the disbursement as an act of desperation.
- AIADMK (Edappadi K. Palaniswami): The Leader of Opposition mocked the “Summer Grant,” asking why such weather-related aid wasn’t provided in 2024 or 2025. He dismissed the move as “patchwork” born out of a “fear of defeat.”
- TVK (Actor Vijay): The newly emerged political force took a sharp jibe, questioning the timing: “Is summer coming only this year or what?” Vijay claimed the DMK is terrified of the growing support for his party among women voters.
- BJP (Tamilisai Soundararajan): Accused the CM of having “election fever” and blamed him for using the Union Government as a scapegoat to justify the early payout.
4. Fiscal Impact and Political Stakes
| Entity | Details |
| Consolidated Expenditure | Approximately ₹6,550 Crore for this single credit. |
| State Debt Context | Total state debt has crossed ₹9 Lakh Crore. |
| Principal Rivalries | DMK-led SPA vs. AIADMK-BJP-PMK Alliance vs. TVK-NTK third pole. |
| Key Election Theme | Women’s financial autonomy and “Direct Benefit Transfer” (DBT) warfare. |