BJP to soon release manifesto for TN Assembly polls 2026: Tamilisai Soundararajan
Chennai, March 18
BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan on Wednesday said that the party has drafted its manifesto for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Election 2026 and will finalise it soon before its official release.
Speaking to ANI, she said, "We have drafted it, and tomorrow we will finalise it, after which we will submit it to our leaders, and then it will be released. Almost all aspects of social justice, women's empowerment, and farmers' empowerment are covered."
She added that the manifesto aims to address key issues concerning various sections of society, with a focus on inclusive development.
Earlier, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday announced that Tamil Nadu will go to the polls in a single phase on April 23, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4.
The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has come into effect immediately, with the initiation of the election process for the 234-member state assembly, whose current tenure ends on May 10.
The main electoral contest is expected between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), which includes DMK, Congress, and other parties, and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) with BJP and Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) as allies. Actor-turned-politician Vijay is set to make his political debut in this election with his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
In the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) won with 133 seats. All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) followed with 66 seats. Congress stood at 18 seats. The state saw a voter turnout of 76.6 per cent.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Manifestos are one thing, but implementation is everything. We've heard promises before. I hope this one genuinely focuses on women's safety and job creation for the youth. Tamil Nadu needs practical development, not just political rhetoric. 🤞
With Vijay's TVK entering the fray, this election just got more spicy! It's a three-cornered fight now. The 2026 polls will be a true test of whether the national parties or the strong regional sentiment will win. Exciting times for TN politics!
As an observer, I find the dynamics fascinating. The mention of "inclusive development" is key. Tamil Nadu has its own unique cultural and political identity. Any party's success will depend on respecting that while addressing core economic issues.
Farmers' empowerment better be more than just words. We need concrete policies on MSP, water management, and support for organic farming. Our state's agriculture is struggling. Hope all parties put forward solid plans for the annadatas.
The Model Code of Conduct is in place, good. Now let's hope for a clean, issue-based campaign. Tamil Nadu deserves a debate on development, infrastructure, and education, not personal attacks or freebie politics. Time for voters to think wisely.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.