NDA double-engine government will be formed in Tamil Nadu, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches all-out attack on the ruling DMK, saying it promoted corruption and crime, and did not deliver on its promises; he says T.N. wants to be ‘liberated’ from the DMK’s rule and ‘desired’ an NDA government

In his first major message in poll-bound Tamil Nadu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (January 23, 2026) said the State needs an “NDA double-engine government”, which would march “shoulder-to-shoulder” with the Union government to achieve overall development. He targeted the ruling DMK, saying it served a “single family” and that “people have now resolved to uproot” it from the State.

Addressing a public meeting, alongside leaders of parties that have joined the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), at Madurantakam near Chennai, Mr. Modi launched a frontal attack on the DMK saying the massive crowd turnout sent across a loud message that Tamil Nadu was now ready for change. Tamil Nadu wanted to be liberated from the misrule of the DMK and desired a “BJP-NDA government”.

AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami, who spoke earlier, proclaimed, “The NDA alliance will win 210 seats. The AIADMK will form the government with a clear majority.”

However, Mr. Modi, throughout, spoke of the need to establish an “NDA double engine government” [as opposed to a single party rule].

The Prime Minister said the people had given the mandate to the DMK, but it had broken their trust. While it made several promises, its work was “zero”. The people saw the DMK regime as a “CMC government” – a government that promoted corruption, mafia and crime.

“In Tamil Nadu you have a government which has nothing to do with democracy or accountability. The DMK government is just doing the bidding of a single family. If anyone wants to grow in the DMK, there are only three or four routes for it – dynasty, corruption, abusing women, and abusing our culture… Only such people are progressing. The entire State is bearing the brunt because of this,” he said.

“We need to free Tamil Nadu from the clutches of the DMK,” he said underlining the pace of the State’s development and the overall progress of the country were interlinked.

The DMK government, he alleged, has handed over the youth to the drug mafia and parents were distressed seeing their children being ruined as the mafia were targeting students. Men associated with the DMK were being accused of drug racketeering, which was a big challenge for the future of the State, he said.

Contending India was the first port of call for global investors, Mr. Modi said the country was firming up big ties with every region in the world. To benefit from this, “it is very important that an NDA double-engine government is formed in Tamil Nadu. When there is a government here, which works harmoniously with the Union government, it will be easier for investors to place their money here.”

Claiming that crime was under control during the late Jayalalithaa’s regime, Mr. Modi said women and girls felt unsafe now. “I appeal to the mothers, sisters and daughters to (help) form an NDA government here. The NDA government will ensure your safety,” he said.

Referring to the Thirupparankundram Karthigai Deepam row, Mr. Modi said the BJP functionaries stood with devotees for their rights, but the DMK and allies indulged in vote bank politics. The party did not even spare the court, he alleged, claiming DMK was the ‘biggest enemy’ of Tamil culture.

The Prime Minister outlined the extensive funding the Union government had given to Tamil Nadu over the past 11 years as opposed to what the State received during the erstwhile UPA regime. The NDA government had released ₹3 lakh crore to Tamil Nadu in terms of devolution, which was three times more than the amount released during the UPA regime, he said. The funding for railway projects in the State was also seven times higher now.

He also spoke about the benefits of the Centre’s various initiatives for farmers and fishermen, including PM-KISAN, Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana and Kisan Credit Cards and the Mudhra scheme.

Courtesy: The Hindu