Chennai: DMK’s allies, including the Congress, welcomed the state govt’s move of crediting 5,000 into bank accounts of Kalaignar Mahalir Urimai Thittam (KMUT) scheme beneficiaries on Friday.“In the last two months, 8,000 was credited to each beneficiary’s account,” TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai said referring to the disbursment of 3,000 as a Pongal gift followed by 5,000 under KMUT.“This will provide relief to poor and middle-class households struggling with inflation,” he said. Selvaperunthagai also alleged that the Union govt was attempting to block the scheme. Congress MPs Manickam Tagore, Jothimani and Karti Chidambaram also welcomed the announcement.VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan termed the move a “pleasant surprise” and lauded the chief minister for going ahead with the disbursal despite criticism. He said the decision countered alleged attempts to defer payments citing elections.CPM state secretary P Shanmugam said families of the 1.31 crore beneficiaries were “expressing happiness” after 5,000 was credited to their bank accounts. “We welcome this announcement on behalf of the party,” he said in a social media post.MMK leader Prof M H Jawahirullah, MJK leader Thamimun Ansari and other leaders in the DMK-led front also welcomed the announcement.
