CHENNAI: BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran on Friday urged Chief Minister MK Stalin to provide Rs 5,000 in cash to all ration card holders for the Pongal festival, along with essential traditional items such as sugarcane, turmeric and jaggery through the Public Distribution System (PDS).

In a sharp attack on the ruling DMK, Nainar Nagenthran accused the government of resorting to political tokenism by issuing a government order allocating Rs 248 crore for the Pongal special package just 13 days before the festival. He said the delayed move had dashed public expectations, especially when widespread demands were being raised for meaningful cash assistance and the inclusion of farm-linked produce in the package.

Pointing to farmers' expectations, the BJP leader questioned why the government had failed to procure sugarcane, raw rice and sugar well in advance, despite Pongal gifts being an annual exercise. "Is this a hurried, cosmetic exercise aimed at last-minute optics, rather than genuine welfare?" he asked in a statement.

Nainar said the modest allocation reflected a lack of seriousness and amounted to betraying public trust, particularly at a time when households are grappling with rising costs. 

He urged the Chief Minister to set aside what he termed the government's Pongal theatrics and immediately ensure proper procurement of sugarcane, turmeric and jaggery, while announcing Rs 5,000 cash assistance to make the festival truly meaningful for the people.

He said the government must act decisively, at least in the final phase of its tenure, to deliver a Pongal package that honours farmers and benefits the public.