Elections – Modi Targets DMK Over Governance Ahead of Tamil Nadu Visit
Elections – The political atmosphere in Tamil Nadu is heating up as national leaders intensify their campaign efforts ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched a sharp political attack on the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), claiming the party was unsettled by the growing support for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) across Tamil Nadu. His remarks came shortly before his scheduled rally in Tiruchirappalli, part of the NDA’s broader campaign push in the state.
Modi Accuses DMK of Governance Failures
In a message posted on social media ahead of his visit, the Prime Minister said that voters in Tamil Nadu were increasingly dissatisfied with the DMK government. According to him, people had begun to question the state administration over what he described as ineffective governance and several unfulfilled commitments.
Modi also suggested that the public was now showing greater interest in the NDA’s development-focused agenda. He argued that the alliance’s emphasis on infrastructure growth and economic opportunities was attracting voters who wanted long-term progress in the state.
Major Infrastructure Projects Announced
During his visit to Tiruchirappalli, Modi is scheduled to launch and inaugurate central government projects valued at around ₹5,650 crore. These initiatives span multiple sectors including highways, railway connectivity, petroleum infrastructure and rural development.
Officials said the projects aim to strengthen transportation networks and improve connectivity across several regions of Tamil Nadu. The central government also recently cleared a proposal to upgrade Madurai airport to international status, a move expected to boost tourism and trade in the region.
NDA Rebuilds Alliance Strategy
The National Democratic Alliance has been working to reorganize its political strategy in Tamil Nadu following its poor performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, when it failed to win any parliamentary seat in the state.
In a significant step, the Bharatiya Janata Party revived its alliance with the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), hoping the partnership would consolidate votes opposed to the DMK government. Meanwhile, the ruling DMK has strengthened its own alliance network by retaining existing partners and bringing in new political allies.
However, the political landscape remains complex. Some parties that were previously associated with the NDA have recently aligned themselves with the DMK. The Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), founded by actor-turned-politician Vijayakanth, has joined the ruling coalition and recently secured representation in the Rajya Sabha.
Internal Divisions Add Uncertainty
Several leadership disputes and factional rivalries are adding new uncertainty to Tamil Nadu’s political equation.
Former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, who was expelled from the AIADMK following a prolonged conflict with party leader Edappadi K Palaniswami, has reportedly moved closer to the DMK camp after failing to find space within the NDA alliance. Additionally, expelled AIADMK leader VK Sasikala has announced plans to launch a new political party and field candidates in the upcoming election.
Analysts believe these developments could split sections of the AIADMK’s traditional voter base, particularly in southern districts where the influential Thevar community has historically supported the party.
Even within the NDA camp, tensions have surfaced in the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), where founder S Ramadoss and his son Anbumani Ramadoss are engaged in a leadership dispute that could affect candidate selection.
Rival Camps Exchange Allegations
As the election campaign gains momentum, both alliances have intensified their criticism of each other. The AIADMK and the BJP have accused the DMK government of corruption, promoting dynastic politics and failing to ensure adequate safety for women.
The DMK leadership has strongly rejected these allegations. Chief Minister MK Stalin has instead accused the central government of withholding funds for education programs after the state declined to adopt the National Education Policy.
The DMK has also claimed that Tamil Nadu has faced discrimination in the allocation of major infrastructure projects. Party leaders have pointed to delays in metro rail plans for cities such as Coimbatore, Madurai and Tiruchirappalli, along with pending disaster relief assistance.
Debate Over Political Strategy
Stalin has further alleged that the BJP is attempting to weaken the AIADMK gradually in order to expand its own influence in the state. He compared the situation to shifting political alliances seen in Bihar in recent years.
The BJP has rejected these claims, stating that the DMK should refrain from commenting on political developments outside Tamil Nadu.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi has so far avoided publicly declaring Edappadi K Palaniswami as the NDA’s chief ministerial candidate. During campaign events, he has limited his remarks to expressing confidence that the alliance would form the next government in the state.
New Political Forces Could Influence Polls
The upcoming election may also be influenced by the emergence of actor Vijay’s political outfit, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The party has attracted considerable attention among younger voters and women.
Although Vijay has described the BJP as an ideological rival, reports suggest that the NDA has been exploring the possibility of bringing him into its political fold. The actor has alleged harassment by central agencies in connection with the Karur stampede case and issues related to film certification, claims the BJP has dismissed.
The Election Commission is expected to announce the Tamil Nadu Assembly election schedule soon, once the Prime Minister concludes his campaign visits to several other poll-bound states, including West Bengal.