Chennai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched a sharp attack on the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) at a high-voltage National Democratic Alliance (NDA) campaign rally held at Madurantakam near Chennai, accusing the party of corruption, misgovernance and betrayal of public trust, while asserting that Tamil Nadu is ready for a BJP-led NDA government.
The rally saw the presence of several senior NDA leaders, including AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss, AMMK founder T.T.V. Dhinakaran, Tamil Maanila Congress (Moopanar) president G.K. Vasan, and leaders from other alliance partners.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said Tamil Nadu was “struggling to free itself from poor governance” and claimed that the countdown had begun for the end of the DMK regime. He alleged that despite being given two opportunities by the people, the DMK had failed to live up to expectations.
“This government is marked by corruption, criminality and dynastic politics. Tamil Nadu needs a safe and corruption-free administration,” PM Modi said.
He accused the DMK of functioning solely for the benefit of one family and claimed the party promoted what he described as four negative traits — dynasty politics, corruption, disrespect towards women, and contempt for culture. Emphasising Tamil Nadu’s civilisational contribution to the nation, he said the state must be freed from misrule to help realise the vision of a developed India.
Highlighting the Centre’s role in the state’s development, the Prime Minister said the Union government had carried out unprecedented infrastructure and welfare initiatives in Tamil Nadu over the past 11 years. He claimed that around ₹3 lakh crore had been transferred to the state through devolution alone.
PM Modi also said the NDA government had allocated nearly seven times more funds for railways compared to the previous DMK-Congress dispensation, citing the introduction of Vande Bharat trains and expanded support for farmers and fishermen as key achievements.
Raising concerns over law and order, he accused the DMK government of failing to curb drug abuse and protect youth from narcotics and criminal networks. He contrasted the current situation with the tenure of former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, whom he praised for maintaining effective crime control.
On cultural issues, the Prime Minister reiterated his admiration for the Tamil language and heritage, noting that he had gifted the Thirukkural to world leaders and supported the promotion of Tamil studies in national institutions. He also accused the DMK and its allies of opposing religious traditions for vote-bank politics.
Referring to Jallikattu, PM Modi said the sport was banned during the DMK-Congress rule, while the NDA ensured its legal continuation.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister said Tamil Nadu needed a government that trusted its youth, protected its culture and worked in coordination with the Centre for development.