With the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections expected to be held in the next two months, political activities in the State have gathered momentum, with major parties stepping up alliance talks, public meetings and campaign preparations.
In this backdrop, the Bharatiya Janata Party has joined hands with the AIADMK in Tamil Nadu, with several other parties coming together under the banner of the National Democratic Alliance. The alliance held its first major public meeting on January 23 in Madurai, marking the formal launch of its election campaign in the State.
Addressing the meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Tamil Nadu required a “double-engine government,” drawing a parallel between the BJP at the Centre and the AIADMK in the State. The remark immediately sparked political reactions and debate.
Chief Minister M. K. Stalin criticised the statement, saying Tamil Nadu would not accept a “double-engine rule.” Actor-turned-politician Vijay, speaking at the third anniversary of his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, said the people of Tamil Nadu were ready for a new political force, adding that they would decide the future of the State.
Prime Minister Modi’s “engine” remark has since become a focal point in Tamil Nadu’s political discourse. Amid this continuing debate, BJP sources said the Prime Minister is set to visit Tamil Nadu once again.
According to party sources, Narendra Modi will participate and address an NDA public meeting scheduled to be held in Madurai on February 28. The visit is expected to further energise the NDA’s campaign and consolidate support ahead of the Assembly elections.
Madurai is emerging as a key political centre in the run-up to the polls, with major parties choosing the city to launch and reinforce their electoral strategies.
