PM Modi says Tamil Nadu will have ‘double-engine NDA government’ after 2026 Assembly polls

Kickstarting the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) Assembly election campaign from Madurantakam in Tamil Nadu on Friday (January 23, 2026), Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at the ruling DMK, and said the countdown for its exit has begun and a “double-engine NDA government” will be formed in the State.

Mr. Modi took several jibes at the DMK, saying the party has betrayed the trust of people and alleged it is involved in corruption.

“You gave DMK a full majority twice, but they broke the trust of the people of Tamil Nadu. DMK made heaps of promises but delivered zero work. People are now calling the DMK government the CMC government. CMC government means a government that promotes ‘Corruption, Mafia, and Crime.’ The people of Tamil Nadu have now made up their minds to uproot both DMK and CMC. Here, a double-engine NDA government is certain to come to power,” the Prime Minister claimed.

He went on to allege: “The DMK government serves the interests of a single family rather than the people of the State. Opportunities for advancement within the DMK seem limited, often favouring those connected by dynasty or those willing to engage in corruption, violence against women, or disrespect of our culture. As a result, only individuals who are willing to participate in such behaviours are being promoted within the party. This has had serious consequences for Tamil Nadu.”

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Mr. Modi was of the view that the “massive crowd” present present at the venue was sending a strong message in Tamil Nadu and the nation. “The message that Tamil Nadu is now ready for a change. The State wants liberation from misrule of DMK and wants the BJP-NDA government,” he said.

Lashing out at the DMK over the Thirupparankundram Lord Murugan temple Karthigai deepam lamp lighting row, Mr. Modi said, “our leaders stood by devotees’ rights, the DMK left no stone unturned for vote bank politics.” The party did not even spare the court.

“NDA family’s senior leaders have come together to decide the fate of Tamil Nadu. They are here with one resolve, that we have to liberate Tamil Nadu from the DMK government. We have to make Tamil Nadu a Viksit (developed), safe and corruption-free State. I can clearly see that the countdown of DMK’s exit has begun,” he added.

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi Palaniswami slammed the DMK-led government saying its only achievement was “corruption” and to “perpetuate dynasty rule” in Tamil Nadu. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin who elevated his son Udhayanidhi as his deputy, was keen only on seeing his son as the Chief Minister, he said.

Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) general secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran said his party had wholeheartedly joined the NDA to unseat the ruling DMK and not under “coercion”. Though he may have differences with the AIADMK leadership (Edappadi K. Palaniswami), he said he did not want these to come in the way of public welfare or efforts to end the DMK rule in the State.