In a significant electoral move, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party is set to mobilize 30,000 women for a 3-kilometre rally in Salem, Tamil Nadu, this evening. This event underscores the increasing political importance of women voters, who now constitute 51% of the electorate, with 3.24 crore women voters compared to 3.11 crore men. The rally will feature prominent leaders, including Chief Minister MK Stalin, VCK Chief Thol Thirumavalavan, and actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan, representing a united front among key allies. The DMK attributes its support among women to various welfare initiatives under its governance model, including ₹1,000 monthly assistance for over 1.3 crore women and plans to double this amount if re-elected. In contrast, the principal opposition, the AIADMK, has promised to increase this assistance to ₹2,000 and provide free refrigerators, highlighting a trend of competitive populism aimed at attracting female voters. Additionally, the rising popularity of actor Vijay among women and first-time voters poses a potential challenge to the DMK's traditional support base, which has historically leaned towards the late J Jayalalithaa. As the election approaches, issues of women's safety remain a contentious topic, with the DMK defending its record while the opposition raises concerns.