BJP : Says DMK Remarks Signal Unease After NDA Rally in Madhuranthakam
BJP : The Tamil Nadu unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party has claimed that recent comments made by leaders of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam against AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami point to growing nervousness within the ruling party. According to the BJP, the remarks come in the aftermath of the National Democratic Alliance’s public meeting in Madhuranthakam, which it described as a turning point in the state’s political atmosphere ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
BJP Responds to DMK Leaders’ Statements
In a statement released on Wednesday, BJP spokesperson A.N.S. Prasad took strong exception to comments made by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and DMK Member of Parliament Kanimozhi. He criticised their repeated references to Palaniswami as being subservient to the BJP, describing the language as inappropriate and politically motivated. Prasad argued that such characterisations reflected an inability to engage in substantive debate.
Allegations of Political Anxiety
Prasad suggested that the tone adopted by DMK leaders revealed discomfort over what he called the NDA’s expanding reach in Tamil Nadu. He said the ruling party appeared unsettled by what the BJP views as increasing public support for the opposition alliance. According to him, the DMK’s leadership has struggled to respond to this shift, choosing instead to rely on personal criticism.
Impact of the Madhuranthakam Rally
Referring to the NDA rally held at Madhuranthakam, Prasad said the event had generated significant political discussion across the state. The presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the gathering, he noted, sent a strong message about the alliance’s intentions in Tamil Nadu. The BJP spokesperson claimed that the scale of attendance demonstrated growing interest in the NDA’s platform and priorities.
Claims of DMK Leadership Concern
The BJP further alleged that senior figures within the DMK, including Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, were increasingly concerned about the alliance’s prospects. Prasad asserted that the ruling party’s leadership and their family members were apprehensive about losing political ground as the election cycle approaches. He maintained that these concerns were being reflected in the nature of recent public statements.
NDA Coordination and Statewide Outreach
According to Prasad, the NDA in Tamil Nadu has been operating in a coordinated and disciplined manner under the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He said the alliance had focused on presenting a unified front while strengthening its organisational structure at the grassroots level. The BJP believes this approach has helped consolidate support across different regions of the state.
Tours Highlighting Governance Issues
Prasad also referred to the statewide tours undertaken by Edappadi Palaniswami and Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagenthran. He said these tours were aimed at drawing attention to what the BJP describes as shortcomings of the current government, including alleged corruption, administrative lapses, and unfulfilled commitments. According to him, these issues have resonated with sections of the public.
Dispute Over Remarks on Women-Centric Policies
The BJP spokesperson criticised comments made by Udhayanidhi Stalin regarding the Prime Minister’s engagement with women voters. Prasad described the remarks as misleading and said they overlooked the impact of Union government welfare initiatives targeted at women. He claimed that such programmes had provided tangible benefits to a large number of families in Tamil Nadu.
Projection of Alliance Leadership
Referring to images and visuals from the Madhuranthakam rally, Prasad said the joint appearance of Prime Minister Modi and Palaniswami symbolised the NDA’s proposed governance model. He stated that the alliance intended to present a framework focused on development, administrative stability, and transparency in the run-up to the 2026 elections.
Accusations of Diversionary Tactics
In his concluding remarks, Prasad accused the DMK of relying on personal attacks to divert attention from public concerns. He cited issues such as rising prices, law and order challenges, and allegations of corruption as areas where, according to the BJP, the government faces criticism. He added that the NDA remained confident about its electoral prospects and its ability to form the next government in Tamil Nadu.