As the 2026 Assembly elections draw closer, political parties have identified their most influential constituency: women. Following the successful “Direct Benefit Transfer” (DBT) models seen in states like West Bengal, a fierce competition has erupted in Tamil Nadu and Assam, with parties vying to outdo each other with cash doles and household incentives.

Tamil Nadu: The ₹2000 vs. Appliance Coupons Battle The ruling DMK, led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, has unveiled a “Superstar” manifesto. Their marquee promise is doubling the monthly financial assistance for women (Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai) from ₹1000 to ₹2000. Additionally, the DMK introduced the ‘Illatharasi’ scheme, offering an ₹8000 coupon to non-income tax-paying households to purchase or replace household gadgets like washing machines, fridges, or induction stoves.

The opposition AIADMK had already set the pace by promising ₹2000 per month for women-headed households and 3 free LPG cylinders per year. They also pledged a ₹25,000 subsidy for 5 lakh working women to buy two-wheelers. Actor Vijay’s TVK is looking to disrupt both by promising an even higher monthly stipend of ₹2500.

Assam: Entrepreneurship and Justice In Assam, the Congress has launched its “Five Guarantees” to counter the BJP’s popular ‘Orunodoi’ scheme (which currently provides ₹1250 monthly). Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge announced that every woman entrepreneur in Assam would receive an unconditional ₹50,000 to start or scale a business. This is in addition to a stipulated monthly cash transfer for all women, aiming to make them financially independent rather than just providing a survival dole.

The Strategy Behind the Schemes: Political analysts believe that women often vote as a consolidated block based on welfare delivery. In an era of high inflation, these schemes directly ease the household budget. For the DMK, it’s about consolidating a 1.3 crore beneficiary base, while for the Congress in Assam, it’s about breaking the BJP’s grassroots reach through a massive one-time business grant.

As these states head to the polls on April 9 and 23, the success of these parties will largely depend on which “guarantee” the women voters trust more.