In an apparent counter to Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's attractive poll promise of "rice at Rs 2 per kg", All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam supremo Jayalalithaa Monday offered to supply 10 kg of rice free of cost through the public distribution system.

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Campaigning in her Andipatti constituency for the May 8 elections, Jayalalithaa said if voted back to power AIADMK government would give 10 kg of rice free for every 10 kg of rice supplied at Rs 3.50 per kg to ration card holders who had opted for rice.

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In effect the AIADMK supremo has offered rice at Rs.1.75 a kg, which is 25 paise less than her arch rival and DMK chief M Karunanidhi's promise of supplying rice at Rs 2 per kg through the PDS.

Jayalalithaa claimed that 32 lakh new ration cards had been distributed after her government assumed office.

Now, there were 1.88 crore card holders in the state. "I will ensure that 10 kg of rice is given free of cost to those who are entitled to receive rice at Rs 3.50 a kg."

This is a new offer and does not find a place in the AIADMK manifesto.

Jayalalithaa also assured five lakh jobs for IT graduates and said the interests of the Tamil Nadu farmers would be protected with regard to the Periyar dam issue (restoring its height to the original 152 feet).