Ruling party men celebrate start of Pongal gift distribution

“Crackers were burst and some of them distributed sweets in rations shops at Chennai. The AIADMK is hoping high on the Rs 2,500 gift ahead of Assembly polls and we have to wait and watch on the political outcome of the scheme in the upcoming polls,” observed political commentator Priyan.

“The state has been suffering from the freebie culture introduced by the Dravidian majors DMK and AIADMK. The DMK which is now crying foul will continue the scheme if voted to power,” he added.

Meanwhile, there were also complaints in Vellore and Tiruvallur stating that the cash distribution tokens are yet to reach the public to avail Pongal gifts. “Though the state has announced the scheme last month, tokens are yet to be distributed for residents of Chettiappanoor panchayat coming under Vaniyambadi area,” said retired school teacher A Mangaiayarkarasi.

There have been incidents of stampede deaths in ration shops while distributing cash and it is for the authorities to plan and then distribute the cash without any hindrance for beneficiaries, she added.

“Public are elated while receiving the cash and there is a visible joy in their face while counting the notes. This scheme will reduce the anti-incumbency for the AIADMK, but this scheme cannot stop the DMK from forming the next government,” said C Ashok, a DMK worker in Egmore stating that state is distributing tax payers’ money to the public.