Modi refutes DMK’s allegation of bias, highlights Rs 3 lakh crore development push in Tamil Nadu

Rebutting the ruling DMK’s allegation that Tamil Nadu is being discriminated against in central funding, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the state had received a massive development boost under his government, with projects worth ₹3 lakh crore in the last decade of NDA rule—three times more than the allocation during the Congress-led UPA regime.

“In the last ten years, Tamil Nadu has received projects worth ₹3 lakh crore, which is three times higher than what was allocated during the UPA government. The state has also received 11 new medical colleges in the past 11 years. Committed to the dream of a developed Tamil Nadu, we prioritise its growth,” Modi said while addressing a gathering after inaugurating the new terminal at Thoothukudi Airport and dedicating completed development and infrastructure projects worth ₹4,900 crore to the nation.

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He further added, “Viksit Tamil Nadu and Viksit Bharat is our motto. Tamil Nadu is at the forefront of the ‘Atma Nirbhar’ initiative. In the past 11 years, 77 railway stations have been redeveloped, enhancing passenger experience. The state also boasts the Pamban Bridge, an engineering marvel connecting Rameswaram with the mainland. New road projects worth ₹2,500 crore will improve connectivity between the Cauvery Delta districts and Chennai, while also transforming the Thoothukudi port into a major hub.”

Modi pointed out that the newly inaugurated terminal at Thoothukudi Airport will boost annual passenger capacity from the current 3 lakh to 20 lakh.

Highlighting the benefits of the recently concluded Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United Kingdom, the Prime Minister said it would open up employment opportunities for Tamil Nadu’s youth and accelerate industrial growth.

“It benefits India, as Indian goods will become cheaper in the UK, thereby boosting domestic manufacturing. As the third-largest economy in the world, India will see growth across sectors—from industries and fisheries to startups led by the youth,” he said, adding that the agreement will create more job opportunities.

Touching upon Operation Sindoor, Modi lauded the Make in India initiative for enabling the development of indigenous weapon systems used to counter Pakistan and inflict significant damage. He said these systems played a pivotal role in India’s success.

Earlier, beginning his address with the traditional Tamil greeting “Vanakkam,” the Prime Minister paid rich tributes to freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaram, who launched the Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company to challenge British dominance at sea, and to warriors Veerapandiya Kattabomman and Veeran Azhagu Muthu Kone, who resisted British rule and were martyred. He also honoured national poet Subramania Bharathi.

Recalling an earlier moment, Modi said he had once gifted Thoothukudi pearls to philanthropist Bill Gates as a memento, stating that the pearls of the ancient Pandya kingdom symbolised India’s historical economic strength.