Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack in Kanyakumari on Friday on the I.N.D.I.A. bloc emphasising the BJP's commitment to development initiatives while accusing the DMK and Congress of seeking power to engage in corruption. Modi singled out the DMK labeling it as the biggest beneficiary of the infamous 2G scam.
During a public rally in Kanyakumari, PM Modi said, "BJP's performance in Tamil Nadu this time will shatter the arrogance of the DMK-Congress I.N.D.I. Alliance."
"People of Jammu and Kashmir rejected those who dreamt of breaking the country, Tamil Nadu will also do the same. Today, the wave that is rising from Kanyakumari, the southern tip of the country, will go very far," he said.
Coming down heavily against I.N.D.I.A bloc, PM Modi said, "DMK and Congress want to come to power to loot people; DMK biggest beneficiary of 2G scam."
The Prime Minister highlighted numerous scandals involving the I.N.D.I.A. bloc and noted the extensive scale of the list. He also accused DMK of hindering Tamil Nadu's future and culture and claimed the party 'banned' Ayodhya temple event broadcast.
Before the address, women workers of BJP felicitated PM Modi during a public rally in Kanyakumari.
This is the first election BJP is set to face in Tamil Nadu after Edappadi Palaniswami-led AIADMK severed its ties with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Even in 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, AIADMK and BJP alliance was able to bag only a lone Theni seat out of 39 constituencies in the state.
Notably, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi started Bharat Jodo Yatra from Kanyakumari on September 8, 2022.
BJP In Tamil Nadu
While the BJP has historically struggled to make significant electoral gains in Tamil Nadu, the party is optimistic about reversing this trend, particularly under the leadership of the assertive K Annamalai, who heads its state unit.
Modi has made numerous visits to Tamil Nadu in the past, as well as to other southern states, where he has visited Hindu temples and sites of religious importance.
The BJP is working towards forging a coalition excluding non-DMK and non-AIADMK in the state. The saffron-party has already gained the support of GK Vasan-led Tamil Maanila Congress and AMMK, led by TTV Dhinakaran.
Tamil Nadu has a total of 39 Lok Sabha seats, with an additional one seat in the neighboring territory of Puducherry.