PM Modi Launches NDA Campaign in Tamil Nadu, Accuses DMK of Widespread Corruption
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) election campaign in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, delivering a scathing critique of the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government. He accused the DMK of engaging in massive corruption and pitched the NDA's commitment to developing the state's infrastructure and ensuring clean governance.
Allegations of Multi-Crore Scams
Addressing a large NDA rally in Madurai, Modi detailed a series of alleged scams under the DMK administration. He claimed there had been a ₹365 crore cash-for-transfer scam, a ₹900 crore cash-for-job scam, a ₹1,000 crore cash-for-contract scam, a ₹4,700 crore mining scam, and a staggering ₹40,000 crore Tasmac scam in Tamil Nadu.
"Usually ministers compete in delivering good work. In DMK, however, ministers compete in scams. They steal from the poor, the youth, and farmers," Modi asserted from the stage, which he shared with AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss, AMMK leader T T V Dhinakaran, and TMC leader G K Vasan.
He emphasized that such a corrupt government has no moral right to continue, stating, "That's why the people of Tamil Nadu have decided to bring in an NDA government. We will give clean and efficient governance."
Historical Context and Political Critique
Modi praised Congress stalwart K Kamaraj and AIADMK icons M G Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa for their contributions to Tamil Nadu's growth. "When it comes to honesty in politics, Kamaraj set an example for the whole country. DMK is an example of the exact opposite," he remarked.
He termed the upcoming assembly election as a turning point for the state, asserting that people have made up their mind to "send DMK out" and that "the next government of Tamil Nadu would be an NDA government."
Modi highlighted that after 25 long years, the DMK secured a full majority in 2021 but failed to deliver good governance. "They looted the state, furthering dynastic politics and ignored people's aspirations," he charged.
Focus on Development and Safety
Earlier in the day, Modi participated in a government event where he laid the foundation stone and inaugurated infrastructure projects worth ₹4,400 crore. He announced plans to develop the historic site of Adhichanallur in Tirunelveli district into a global heritage destination. Additionally, ecotourism initiatives around Lake Pulicat and Podhigai Malai aim to create new job opportunities while preserving the natural ecosystem.
Modi stated that more than 200 manufacturing clusters are being developed across the country, with Tamil Nadu set to benefit. He listed development works carried out by the Union government in the state, noting that over 4,000 km of highways have been built in Tamil Nadu since 2014.
"Railway budget allocation for Tamil Nadu has seen a nine-fold increase since our (BJP) government came in; from 2009 to 2014 the average yearly railway allocation was ₹880 crore. In 2026-27, it had increased to ₹7,600 crore," he said. He also inaugurated eight redeveloped railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme at a cost of around ₹105 crore.
On safety, Modi recalled that women felt secure during Jayalalithaa's rule and promised that once an NDA government is formed, "criminals and drug mafia will be behind bars." He added, "NDA will ensure your safety, dignity, and empowerment."
Response to Political Remarks and Historical Issues
Hitting back at deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin's comment about not fearing the PM or his father, Modi said he considered it an appreciation of his "democratic way of governance where nobody fears anyone."
He also addressed historical grievances, noting that Tamil Nadu was the first state to become "Congress mukt." Modi alleged that Congress avenged this by ceding Katchatheevu, with the DMK doing nothing to prevent the handover of the islet. He further claimed that Congress banned jallikattu, which was later lifted by the NDA government.
Personal Visits and Emotional Moments
Modi visited the Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple at Thiruparankundram, where he was accorded a ‘Purnakumbha' honour and garlands. Temple priests presented him with a portrait of Lord Murugan. He spent around 15 minutes inside the temple offering prayers, accompanied by Tamil Nadu governor R N Ravi, Union minister L Murugan, and BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran.
He then visited the house of P Poorana Chandran, who died by suicide in Madurai after demanding the lighting of a lamp on a hillock. "I prayed for the prosperity of Tamil Nadu and the entire nation. At the same time, my heart felt heavy when I met Poornachandran's wife Indhumathi and their two children. It is painful that the insensitivity of the DMK government led up to this. No matter what DMK does, the truth will win. Devotees of Bhagavan Murugan will win," he expressed at the NDA rally.
Modi concluded by reiterating the NDA's vision for a corruption-free and developed Tamil Nadu, urging voters to support the alliance in the upcoming elections.
