Loaded with doles and freebies to woo the electorate ahead of the April 6 Assembly polls in Tamil Nadu, archrivals DMK and AIADMK’s populist agenda-driven election manifesto are also being debated for the financial implications on a state already burdened with high debts.

Free washing machine, housing for all, solar cookers, education loan waiver, government jobs to families without anyone in state service, etc, are AIADMK’s promises, while that of DMK includes Rs 4,000 relief to COVID-19 hit rice ration card holders, laws to reserve 75 per cent jobs for locals and waiver of various loans and provision of various assistance. However, on the economic front, experts feel the new government will inherit the mantle of huge fiscal debt.