Tamil Nadu Pongal Gift: ₹3,000 Cash Expected for Ration Cardholders Amid Protests

• Tamil Nadu's Pongal gift distribution to family cardholders has seen varying cash components over the years.
• During the AIADMK regime in 2021, ₹2,500 cash was given, while the DMK initially provided ₹1,000.
• This year, the DMK government faced criticism for not including cash, offering only commodities like rice and sugar.
• Ahead of next year's assembly elections, ₹3,000 cash is now expected for all ration cardholders with the Pongal package, despite ministers requesting ₹5,000.
• The Thuthukudi District CITU Construction Workers' Union, led by Mariyappan, protested demanding ₹5,000 for construction workers.

Why It Matters: Tamil Nadu to provide ₹3,000 cash with Pongal package for ration cardholders after criticism and protests.