Chennai DMK election promises: 75% complete or 87% unfulfilled?

Chennai's DMK government claims 75% of its election promises are done or started. But, the opposition says 87% are not done. This is a big difference in numbers.
By Newsroom | Politics, Chennai |

Chennai, India – The assertion that nearly 75% of the DMK's 2021 electoral pledges are either complete or in motion stands in stark contrast to a counter-claim from the Anbumani camp, which posits that 87% of these same promises remain unfulfilled. These diverging figures, emerging from differing political factions, paint a picture of contested progress and unmet expectations.

Nearly 75% of DMK’s poll promises in 2021 fulfilled or under implementation: Thangam Thennarasu - 1

The government, through Minister Thangam Thennarasu, stated that out of 505 specific poll promises, 206 have been successfully delivered, with another 170 actively undergoing implementation. This count, presented at an event in Chennai, forms the basis of the administration's narrative of delivering on its mandate.

Nearly 75% of DMK’s poll promises in 2021 fulfilled or under implementation: Thangam Thennarasu - 2

However, the opposing viewpoint, articulated by the Anbumani camp, challenges this assertion with a far more critical tally. They point to significant gaps in key areas:

  • No advancements reported on promises concerning Sri Lankan Tamils, the development of fisheries, or substantial irrigation projects.

  • In the health sector, a mere three out of 18 commitments are said to have been realized, with no tangible progress on super-speciality hospitals or the expansion of ambulance services.

  • The agricultural sector, a cornerstone for many, saw only eight out of 56 pledges honored.

  • Crucial promises relating to employment and education, including the abolition of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), the cancellation of educational loans, and the creation of 3.5 lakh government jobs, are cited as remaining entirely unimplemented.

  • Furthermore, the government is criticized for its alleged inaction on strengthening the Lokayukta, enacting a 'Right to Services Act', and establishing special courts to combat corruption, despite prior assurances.

Adding a layer to the discourse, Minister Thangam Thennarasu, in July 2021, also spoke about the DMK government's intention to reserve 75% of jobs for Tamils, an issue that has seen varying levels of political engagement. The minister's earlier remarks also touched upon the state's 'Ease of Doing Business' ranking and efforts to attract investments, noting the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for investments totaling ₹17,141 crore within the initial three months of the government's term. This highlights a broader context of governance objectives that extend beyond the electoral manifesto itself.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the main disagreement about the DMK's election promises in Chennai?
The DMK government says about 75% of its 2021 election promises are complete or being worked on. However, the Anbumani camp claims that 87% of these promises have not been fulfilled at all.
Q: Which specific election promises are claimed to be unfulfilled by the Anbumani camp in Chennai?
The Anbumani camp says promises about Sri Lankan Tamils, fisheries, and irrigation projects have seen no progress. They also state that only 3 out of 18 health promises and 8 out of 56 agriculture promises are done.
Q: What about jobs and education promises made by the DMK government in Chennai?
The Anbumani camp claims that key promises like ending NEET, cancelling education loans, and creating 3.5 lakh government jobs have not been started by the DMK government.
Q: What progress has the Chennai government reported on its election promises?
Minister Thangam Thennarasu stated that out of 505 promises, 206 are delivered and 170 are being implemented. This is the government's view of progress.
Q: Were there other government goals mentioned besides the election promises in Chennai?
Yes, Minister Thangam Thennarasu also mentioned the goal to reserve 75% of jobs for Tamils and that MoUs worth ₹17,141 crore were signed for investments in the first three months.