The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) formally begins its Tamil Nadu Assembly election campaign on Friday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing a major public rally in Madurantakam.
The event marks the alliance’s first large-scale mobilisation in the State as the election season gathers pace. It also signals the BJP-led bloc’s intent to take on the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) head-on.
The announcement was made by Nainar Nagenthran, the BJP’s Tamil Nadu state president and legislative party leader.
The rally is being held along the Chennai–Tindivanam highway corridor and is expected to draw party workers and supporters from across Tamil Nadu.
NDA leaders to share stage as campaign opens
Prime Minister Modi will deliver what party leaders describe as a key election address, officially opening the NDA’s campaign in the State.
Senior leaders from NDA constituent parties – including the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, BJP, Tamil Maanila Congress, Pattali Makkal Katchi, and Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam – are expected to be present.
Speaking to reporters earlier, Nagenthran said the Prime Minister’s address would mark the beginning of the alliance’s electoral push.
“On January 23, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the NDA campaign in Madurantakam. He will participate in the meeting to send home the anti-people DMK government currently ruling Tamil Nadu,” he said.
Questions continue over the final composition of the NDA in Tamil Nadu, including speculation around the possible participation of leaders such as TTV Dhinakaran, former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam and the DMDK.
Nagenthran declined to name specific partners but hinted that clarity would emerge at the rally itself.
“You can see that on the stage on January 23,” he said, adding that “all leaders will find a place on the stage” during the PM’s visit.
Responding to the ongoing war of words between the DMK and the AIADMK over alleged similarities in welfare promises, Nagenthran defended the opposition party’s proposals.
He said AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami had earlier promised Rs 1,500 monthly assistance for women, which has now been raised to Rs 2,000.
“It cannot be called a copy simply because a similar scheme exists,” he said, adding that “a massive change is going to happen in the minds of the people”.