Setting the stage for the 2026 Assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched a sharp attack on the ruling DMK at a massive NDA rally in Tamil Nadu, accusing the party of corruption and misgovernance and claiming that its exit from power had begun.
Addressing the gathering, PM Modi branded the DMK regime a “CMC government”, saying it stood for corruption, mafia and crime. He alleged that drug and liquor mafias were flourishing under the party’s rule, warning that the menace was destroying the future of the state’s youth and causing distress among families.
“The enthusiasm of this crowd reflects the mood of Tamil Nadu. People want freedom from DMK’s misgovernance. The NDA has become the people’s first choice,” Modi said, adding that the turnout at the rally sent a clear message that the state was ready for change.
‘Mandate betrayed’
Recalling that the DMK had won two consecutive mandates, the Prime Minister accused the party of betraying public trust. “You gave them a full majority twice, but they broke the trust of the people. They made big promises and delivered nothing,” he said.
Modi claimed the term “CMC government” had gained currency across the state. “People themselves are calling it Corruption, Mafia and Crime. The public has decided to uproot both DMK and CMC,” he said, asserting that a BJP-led NDA “double-engine government” would come to power in Tamil Nadu.
Drug and liquor menace
The Prime Minister said drug abuse had emerged as a major concern, with its impact visible even in schools and colleges. “Parents are worried. Mothers are watching their children’s lives being ruined by drugs,” he said, blaming the DMK government for allowing drug and liquor mafias to expand.
According to Modi, the situation reflected a larger failure of governance. “Along with drugs, liquor mafias have also grown under DMK’s rule,” he alleged.
‘Works only for one family’
Accusing the DMK of dynastic politics, Modi said the party functioned only for the benefit of one family and lacked internal democracy. “If you want to move ahead in that party, you have to be a ‘yes’ person,” he said.
He further alleged that corruption was widespread across districts. “Even a child in Tamil Nadu knows how corruption works and whose pockets the money goes into,” Modi said.
NDA’s pitch
Calling for unity among alliance partners, the Prime Minister said NDA leaders had come together with a common goal. “Our mission is to free Tamil Nadu from the claws of DMK and make it a corruption-free state,” he said.
He added that Tamil Nadu’s growth was crucial for the country’s overall progress. “When Tamil Nadu becomes viksit, India moves forward at the same speed,” he said.
Pongal and Parakram Diwas
Modi said his visit coincided with Pongal celebrations and noted that it was his first visit to the state in 2026. He also paid tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on Parakram Diwas, recalling the contribution of freedom fighters from Tamil Nadu and describing valour and patriotism as integral to the state’s identity.
Development record highlighted
Highlighting the Centre’s record, Modi said financial support to Tamil Nadu had increased significantly under the NDA. “In the last 11 years, nearly ₹3 lakh crore has been given to Tamil Nadu through devolution, which is three times more than during previous coalition governments,” he said, adding that large sums had also been spent on welfare schemes.
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, who was present at the rally, alleged that corruption was the only achievement of the DMK government in its four-and-a-half years in power and said the NDA was a strong alliance ready to form the next government.
Farmers, youth and healthcare
Outlining the NDA’s development agenda, Modi said the Centre was focused on linking farmers and fishermen to cooperatives and strengthening Farmer Producer Organisations. He pointed to Tamil Nadu’s potential in food processing and said the government aimed to connect local produce with global markets.
The Prime Minister also highlighted financial inclusion initiatives such as PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, under which farmers nationwide have received close to ₹4 lakh crore so far, including ₹12,700 crore transferred to beneficiaries in Tamil Nadu.
On youth and women empowerment, Modi accused the DMK of failing to protect young people from drugs and criminal networks. He said an NDA government would focus on expanding healthcare infrastructure, including pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing, to create jobs and strengthen public health services.