The political temperature in Tamil Nadu rose sharply as Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a blistering attack on the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), accusing the party of corruption and declaring that the state was ready for a political change. The remarks marked the formal beginning of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Assembly election campaign in Tamil Nadu, setting the stage for a fierce electoral contest ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly election 2026.

In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi asserted that the people of Tamil Nadu had made up their minds to bid farewell to the “corrupt DMK government” led by Chief Minister MK Stalin. Emphasising the NDA’s governance credentials, the Prime Minister said that the alliance’s focus on regional aspirations and development was resonating strongly with voters across the state. His statement came just hours before his scheduled rally at Maduranthakam, where the BJP-led alliance formally kicked off its high-voltage campaign.

According to PM Modi, the NDA governance record and commitment to inclusive growth were striking a chord with the electorate, signaling what he described as a clear desire for change. The Prime Minister’s remarks were widely seen as a direct challenge to the DMK, which has been in power in Tamil Nadu and has consistently positioned itself as a strong regional force resisting BJP expansion in the state.

The response from MK Stalin was swift and sharply worded. The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister accused the Prime Minister of visiting the state only during election seasons and ignoring its concerns for the rest of the time. In his own post on X, Stalin said that Tamil Nadu counts the betrayals of the NDA, alleging that the Centre had repeatedly failed to honour its commitments to the state.

Stalin raised a series of pointed questions aimed at the central government, highlighting pending financial allocations and stalled development projects. He questioned the delay in releasing ₹3,458 crore under the Samagra Shiksha education scheme, stating that the funds were crucial for strengthening the state’s education system. He also sought clarity on whether Tamil Nadu’s parliamentary constituencies would be protected during the upcoming delimitation exercise, a sensitive issue with significant political implications.

The Chief Minister further criticised the conduct of the Tamil Nadu Governor, accusing him of acting as an agent of the BJP and creating administrative roadblocks for the elected state government. Stalin also drew attention to the long-delayed AIIMS Madurai project, questioning when the much-promised healthcare facility would finally become a reality.

Other issues highlighted by Stalin included the lack of Tamil-specific financial assistance, the reduction in workdays under MGNREGA, and delays in welfare-linked allocations that directly affect the livelihoods of ordinary people. Asserting Tamil Nadu’s political resolve, Stalin declared that the state would always defeat a BJP alliance that, according to him, continues to commit only betrayals.

Meanwhile, the NDA gears up for a mega rally at Maduranthakam, which is expected to set the tone for the months-long campaign ahead. Senior alliance leaders, including AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, were scheduled to participate in the rally alongside the Prime Minister. The presence of AIADMK leaders underscores the NDA’s attempt to consolidate anti-DMK forces and project unity within the alliance.

BJP’s Tamil Nadu election in-charge Piyush Goyal described the rally as a historic moment in the state’s political landscape. He said it marked the beginning of a movement to end what he termed the DMK’s corruption-ridden governance and usher in good governance, opportunities, and prosperity for all sections of society. Goyal expressed confidence that the NDA would perform strongly in Tamil Nadu this time.

Given the high-profile nature of the Prime Minister’s visit, security arrangements were significantly tightened in and around Maduranthakam. The town, located around 87 kilometres from Chennai, witnessed heavy police deployment, with a designated helicopter landing zone prepared in neighbouring Chengalpattu district to facilitate PM Modi’s arrival. Officials confirmed that elaborate measures were in place to ensure smooth conduct of the rally.

The exchange between PM Modi and MK Stalin reflects the broader political battle unfolding in Tamil Nadu, where issues of corruption, governance, federalism, and development are expected to dominate the campaign narrative. While the NDA is attempting to position itself as a credible alternative focused on development and clean governance, the DMK is countering by highlighting alleged central neglect and asserting its role as the defender of Tamil interests.

As the Tamil Nadu Assembly election 2026 approaches, this early confrontation indicates a high-decibel campaign ahead. With rallies, counter-statements, and sharp political messaging already underway, voters can expect an intense contest between the BJP-led NDA and the ruling DMK, with both sides seeking to shape the narrative around governance performance, credibility, and the future direction of the state.

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