There are millions of direct beneficiaries of over a dozen flagship schemes started by Amma. These people, especially women, are shocked and worried after Jayalalithaa's death.
In 2011, Jayalalithaa had promised mixers, grinders, cycles and tabs to below poverty line families. These promises were largely fulfilled as most households The Quint visited had these ‘Amma’ mixers and grinders.
Amma canteens offer idli at Re 1 and sambar rice at Rs 3. Many of the canteens are ISO certified . All of those who benefitted from these schemes voted her back to power this year. This time, she promised to dole out TVS scooties to working women at half prices. Now they're waiting for CM Panneerselvam to fulfill the promise.
These freebies were sponsored by TASMAC, a company run by the government and is the sole distributor and retailer of alcohol in TN. Jayalalithaa had promised to ban alcohol in phases.
Now the new CM will have to either ban alcohol or fulfill the promises made during elections.
Video Editor: Ashutosh Bhardwaj
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