Chennai: The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has formally launched its campaign for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections with a massive public meeting at Madurantakam. The grand rally, attended by lakhs of party workers, has given a major boost to the BJP–AIADMK-led NDA alliance in the state.
NDA Shows Its Strength at Madurantakam
The rally, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, witnessed a rare and politically significant moment as major Tamil Nadu leaders shared the same stage. AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss, Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC) president G.K. Vasan, and AMMK General Secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran stood united, signalling a strong message ahead of the 2026 elections.
Political observers believe this show of unity could pose a serious challenge to the ruling DMK during the upcoming polls.
Mega Alliance Power Test Ahead of 2026
With the formal start of election campaigning, the NDA alliance has emerged as a consolidated political force in Tamil Nadu. Key parties and leaders present on the stage included:
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AIADMK – Edappadi K. Palaniswami
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BJP – State leadership
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PMK – Anbumani Ramadoss
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AMMK – T.T.V. Dhinakaran
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Tamil Maanila Congress – G.K. Vasan
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Indian Jananayaka Katchi (IJK) – Parivendhar
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Tamil Nadu Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam – John Pandian
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South Indian Forward Bloc – Thirumaran
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Puratchi Bharatham Party – A.C. Shanmugam, Jaganmoorthy
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Puthiya Needhi Katchi
Notably, BJP leadership played a key role in bringing together EPS and T.T.V. Dhinakaran—two leaders who had been political rivals for years after Dhinakaran’s expulsion from AIADMK. This move is seen as an effort to unite Jayalalithaa loyalists under one banner.
Prime Minister Modi’s Sharp Attack on DMK
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a fierce attack on the DMK government, branding it a “CMC government.”
“DMK is not a political party; it is a CMC — Corruption, Mafia, and Crime. This government is destroying the future of Tamil Nadu’s youth through a growing drug culture. In 2026, the people will teach this government a fitting lesson,” Modi said.
Centre’s Achievements Highlighted
The Prime Minister also highlighted major achievements of the Union government related to Tamil Nadu:
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Financial Support: Over ₹11 lakh crore has been provided to Tamil Nadu in tax devolution and grants over the last 11 years—three times more than what was given during the Congress–DMK UPA regime.
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Railway Development: Unprecedented funding has been allocated to railway infrastructure projects across the state.
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Farmer Welfare: Under the PM-Kisan scheme, funds are directly transferred to farmers’ bank accounts, eliminating middlemen and commission-based politics.
EPS–Dhinakaran Unity Energises Cadre
The visible bonhomie between Edappadi Palaniswami and T.T.V. Dhinakaran on stage became one of the biggest talking points of the rally. Their handshake and coordinated presence created enthusiasm among party workers and is believed to have already increased pressure on the DMK.
Importantly, the consolidation of split AIADMK vote banks under a single alliance is being seen as a major advantage for the NDA.
DMK Alliance Under Pressure
The growing unity and strength of the NDA has reportedly unsettled the DMK and its allies. Political analysts suggest that this opposition consolidation could pose a serious threat to the ruling party’s hold on power.
With the Madurantakam rally, the NDA has positioned itself as an unavoidable political force in Tamil Nadu. Sources indicate that more parties may join the alliance in the coming months.
Backed by Prime Minister Modi’s leadership and coordinated efforts of state-level leaders, the NDA is projecting confidence that a “double-engine government” will be formed in Tamil Nadu after the 2026 Assembly elections.
