PM Modi targets 'corrupt' DMK, kicks off NDA poll campaign in Tamil Nadu

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said it was time to bid farewell to the "corrupt" DMK government in Tamil Nadu as he kick-started the NDA campaign for the assembly elections in the next few months.

"Tamil Nadu is with NDA! I'll be joining NDA leaders at the rally in Madhuranthakam later today," Modi said in a post on X.

"Tamil Nadu has decided that it's time to bid farewell to the corrupt DMK Government," the prime minister said.

Modi said the NDA's governance record and commitment to regional aspirations were striking a chord with the people of the state.

NDA leaders, including the major constituent, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, will participate in the mega poll rally at Madhuranthakam.

Hailing the BJP's victory in the Thiruvananthapuram corporation, which ended over four decades of the Left rule, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed confidence that there will be changes in Kerala in the upcoming Assembly polls as well.

 

Addressing a massive party-organised rally here, Modi recalled that the BJP's rise to power in Gujarat started with winning a single city nearly four decades ago, and said the same would happen in Kerala.

 

He said that prior to 1987, the BJP was a marginal party in Gujarat and would hardly get any media coverage.

 

"In 1987, for the first time, the BJP won control of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, much like the party's recent victory in Thiruvananthapuram. Since then, the people of Gujarat have entrusted us with the opportunity to serve, and we have continued to do so for decades.

 

"Our journey began in one city in Gujarat, and similarly, in Kerala, our beginnings have started with a single city. I believe this demonstrates that the people of Kerala are beginning to place their trust in the BJP, connecting with us in the same way Gujarat once did," the PM said.

 

He said that his party's win in Thiruvananthapuram civic body was a victory of the firm determination to liberate Kerala from the alleged corrupt rule of the LDF and UDF.

 

Modi claimed that for decades, both the LDF and UDF have neglected Thiruvananthapuram, depriving the capital city of basic facilities and infrastructure.

 

"The Left and the Congress have consistently failed to address the needs of our people. However, our BJP team has already begun working towards a developed Thiruvananthapuram. To the people of the city, I say -- have faith, the change that has long been overdue is finally on its way."

 

"Thiruvananthapuram, for the entire country, will become a model city. I extend my full support to make Thiruvananthapuram one of the best cities in India," he said while addressing the massive crowd at the Putharikandam Maidan here.

 

Modi arrived in Kerala to launch various developmental projects and flag off new train services in the poll-bound state.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a massive road show in this capital city of poll-bound Kerala.

 

The road show was organised from the Thampanoor overbridge to the Putharikandam Maidan, where the PM will launch various projects and flag off new trains.

 

Standing on the footboard of his vehicle Modi waved to the thousands of people, including party workers and supporters holding BJP flags and wearing saffron colored caps, gathered on either sides of the road.

 

They welcomed the PM by showering flowers on him.

 

Party workers and supporters also carried 'Vikasita Keralam' (developed Kerala) placards.