Ahead of the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) formal launch of its Assembly election campaign in Tamil Nadu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday triggered a sharp political face-off with Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, asserting that the state was ready to “bid farewell” to the “corrupt” DMK government.
The remarks set off a heated exchange on the day of PM Modi’s rally at Maduranthakam, where the NDA, comprising the BJP and allies including the AIADMK, is set to begin its high-voltage campaign.
Modi: “Tamil Nadu is with NDA”
In a social media post ahead of his visit, the Prime Minister framed the upcoming battle as a clear choice for the electorate. “Tamil Nadu is with NDA. I'll be joining NDA leaders at the rally in Maduranthakam later today. Tamil Nadu has decided that it’s time to bid farewell to the corrupt DMK government,” he wrote on X.
He emphasised the alliance’s governance record and its focus on regional aspirations, stating these were “striking a chord with the people of the state.” His comments set a confrontational tone for the rally, aimed at galvanising the BJP-led coalition’s base ahead of the 2026 polls.
Stalin Counters: “Tamil Nadu Counts the Betrayals of NDA”
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin issued a swift and sharp rebuttal, turning the focus squarely on the BJP-led Centre’s track record. Accusing PM Modi of being a seasonal visitor to the state, Stalin wrote on X, “Prime Minister Modi comes to Tamil Nadu only when the election season comes… Tamil Nadu counts the betrayals of NDA.”
In a detailed indictment, he listed several unresolved issues: the pending Rs 3,458 crore Samagra Shiksha allocation, the Centre’s “silence” on protecting Tamil Nadu’s parliamentary seat share during delimitation, the “conduct of the Governor,” and delays in the AIIMS Madurai project. He also demanded clarity on Tamil-specific financial assistance, restoration of MGNREGA work days, and other welfare-linked allocations.
“Tamil Nadu will always defeat the BJP alliance that continues to commit only betrayals,” Stalin asserted, framing the contest as one of state’s rights versus central neglect.
NDA’s Mega Rally Sets Campaign Tone
The Prime Minister launched the alliance’s campaign at the Maduranthakam rally, a significant event expected to be attended by senior NDA leaders, including AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami. The rally is designed to project unity and present a combined front against the ruling DMK.
BJP’s Tamil Nadu election in-charge, Union Minister Piyush Goyal, heralded the event as a turning point. “This marks the beginning of the NDA's election campaign in Tamil Nadu... It is also the first step towards ending the DMK's corruption-ridden government and ushering in good governance, opportunities and prosperity for every section. This time, NDA will shine in Tamil Nadu,” he posted on X.
The war of words between the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister underscores the high-stakes nature of the upcoming electoral battle in Tamil Nadu, where the NDA seeks to dismantle the DMK’s stronghold by leveraging anti-incumbency and allegations of corruption, while the ruling party counters with charges of central disregard and unfulfilled promises. The Maduranthakam rally has effectively fired the starting gun on what promises to be a fiercely contested campaign.
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