Show of Strength: PM Modi Shares Stage with EPS, Ramadoss, and Dhinakaran to Challenge DMK

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched a sharp attack on the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Government in Tamil Nadu, accusing it of promoting “corruption, mafia and crime” while addressing the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) first major political rally ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. The rally was held at Maduranthakam, near Chennai, and marked the formal start of the NDA’s poll campaign in the state.

Addressing party workers and supporters, the Prime Minister alleged that the M. K. Stalin-led DMK Government had no commitment to democracy or accountability and was functioning only for the benefit of a single family. He claimed that advancement within the DMK depended on dynastic politics and corruption and alleged that governance in the state had deteriorated under the party’s rule. Modi further asserted that corruption in Tamil Nadu was widely known and visible to the public.

The Prime Minister described the DMK as a “CMC” government, an acronym he said stood for “Corruption, Mafia and Crime”. He alleged links between elements within the ruling party and the drug mafia, stating that the issue had become a serious concern for the state. Modi said that voting for the NDA would be a step toward freeing Tamil Nadu from the drug menace and restoring transparent governance.

Also Read: TN Governor Skips Address, Walks Out After Tamil Nadu Anthem Played Instead of National Anthem

Expressing confidence about the upcoming elections, Modi claimed that the people of Tamil Nadu had already decided to uproot the DMK government and asserted that a BJP-led NDA government would be formed in the state after the 2026 polls. Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister arrived in Chennai after attending a programme in Thiruvananthapuram and was received at the airport by Governor R N Ravi, State Minister T M Anbarasan, Chief Secretary N Muruganandam, and other officials.

The rally saw the presence of several key NDA leaders, including AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami, AMMK General Secretary T T V Dhinakaran, and PMK Leader Anbumani Ramadoss. Palaniswami alleged widespread corruption under the DMK regime and claimed the NDA would secure a decisive mandate, predicting victory in 210 Assembly seats. He also criticised the elevation of Udhayanidhi Stalin as Deputy Chief Minister, calling it an example of dynastic politics.

Addressing the gathering, AMMK Leader T T V Dhinakaran said his party had joined the NDA voluntarily and not under any pressure. While acknowledging differences with the AIADMK leadership, he said these had been set aside in the interest of public welfare and to defeat the DMK in the upcoming elections, reiterating the alliance’s commitment to forming an alternative government in Tamil Nadu.

Also Read: US Moves Carrier, F-15E Jets, Refuellers to West Asia Over Iran's Violent Protest Crackdown