NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the people of Tamil Nadu have decided to bid farewell to the “corrupt” DMK government in the upcoming Assembly elections, as he kicked off the NDA’s campaign in the state. Chief Minister M K Stalin strongly countered the remarks, accusing the BJP-led NDA of repeatedly betraying Tamil Nadu.
PM Modi launches NDA campaign in Tamil Nadu
Ahead of a mega rally at Maduranthakam in Chengalpattu district, PM Modi said the NDA’s governance record and commitment to regional aspirations were resonating with voters.“Tamil Nadu is with NDA… Tamil Nadu has decided that it’s time to bid farewell to the corrupt DMK government. The NDA’s governance record and commitment to regional aspirations are striking a chord with the people of the state,” PM Modi said in a post on X.The Maduranthakam rally marks the formal launch of the NDA’s Assembly election campaign. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami and other NDA leaders are expected to share the stage with PM Modi. BJP Tamil Nadu election in-charge Piyush Goyal said the rally was the first step towards ending what he called the DMK’s “corruption-ridden government,” as per news agency PTI.
Stalin counters PM, raises pending demands
Reacting sharply, Chief Minister M K Stalin said PM Modi visits Tamil Nadu only during election season and accused the Centre of ignoring key state demands.“Tamil Nadu counts the betrayals of NDA. Prime Minister Modi comes to Tamil Nadu only when the election season comes,” Stalin said in a post on X.Stalin questioned when Tamil Nadu would receive the pending Rs 3,458 crore under the Samagra Shiksha scheme, when assurances on delimitation would be given, and when the “anarchy” of the Governor would end. He also flagged delays in MGNREGA payments, the AIIMS Madurai project, disaster relief funds, metro rail proposals for Coimbatore and Madurai, and reiterated the state’s demand for NEET exemption.
Tight security, alliance show of strength
Security has been tightened in Maduranthakam ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit, with elaborate arrangements including a helicopter landing facility in neighbouring Chengalpattu district, officials said, as per PTI.The rally is being projected by the NDA as a show of unity, with leaders from alliance parties attending, as the BJP intensifies its push against the ruling DMK in the run-up to the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
