Ambur, Feb. 13 -- All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami alleged that the AIADMK's two-phase announcement for the 2026 Assembly elections has created "fear" within the Stalin-led government, prompting DMK to announce the Kalaignar Women's Rights Scheme.

Speaking to reporters here, Palaniswami claimed that the Tamil Nadu government's decision to credit Rs 5,000 to women beneficiaries was driven by electoral considerations. "This announcement has come out of fear of defeat in the upcoming elections," he said.

He alleged that the Rs 5,000 grant, which combines three months of women's entitlement assistance with summer relief funds, was not introduced out of concern for public welfare. "Th...