Chennai (Tamil Nadu)

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Thursday filed his nomination as the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) candidate for Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni constituency.

Udhayanidhi Stalin, son of the Chief Minister MK Stalin, also held a roadshow while heading to the office of the Returning Officer to file his nomination.

Udhayanidhi is the sitting MLA from the Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni seat. He is pitted against AIADMK candidate Adhirajaram.

He told reporters, "We will create history, we will definitely win this time. Our leader will become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for the second time."

In the 2021 elections, DMK leader won against Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) candidate AVA Kassali with a margin of 69,355 votes.

Earlier on Wednesday, Udhayanidhi Stalin announced Rs 8,000 coupons provided to people to enable the purchasing of household items such as televisions and refrigerators.

The Deputy CM said that laptops have already been provided to 10 lakh college students.

"Coupons worth Rs 8000 would be provided, enabling people to purchase essential household items such as TVs, refrigerators, and washing machines. While laptops were earlier distributed to school students, under the Dravidian model government, laptops have been provided to 10 lakh college students," Udhayanidhi said.

This came as a counter to AIADMK's manifesto promise of a refrigerator.

Meanwhile, the DMK has promised that the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai will be increased to Rs 2,000 per month with new beneficiaries added every year, while free bus travel for women under the Vidiyal Payanam scheme will continue.

The Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme will be expanded up to Class 8. For families, an "Illa Tharasi" coupon worth Rs 8,000 will be provided to women for purchasing household items, and medical coverage will be extended up to Rs 10 lakh, including families earning up to Rs 5 lakh annually. Pension for senior citizens, widows, and unmarried women above 50 years will be increased to Rs 2,000 per month.

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DMK is contesting on 164 seats, leading the Secular Progressive Alliance against the AIADMK-led NDA in Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Nadu will go to the polls in a single phase on April 23, covering a total of 234 constituencies in the State. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.