TN battle: PM tears into DMK

Modi, who addressed a massive rally that turned out to be a show of strength with the presence of top leaders from key alliance parties, including AIADMK and AMMK, also attacked the DMK over the Karthigai lamp lighting row, accusing it of insulting Lord Murugan and the courts for electoral gains

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday launched the NDA's poll campaign in Tamil Nadu with a no-holds-barred attack on the ruling DMK, calling it “CMCcorruption, mafia and crime” promoting government, and asserted that the countdown for its exit has begun.

Modi, who addressed a massive rally that turned out to be a show of strength with the presence of top leaders from key alliance parties, including AIADMK and AMMK, also attacked the DMK over the Karthigai lamp lighting row, accusing it of insulting Lord Murugan and the courts for electoral gains.

Modi was presented with a silver Thirupprankundram Murugan frame as a memento, along with a cardamom garland, by the alliance party leaders. Setting the tone for the high-stakes 2026 electoral showdown for the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, Modi asserted that "a BJP-NDA double-engine government is being formed for sure.This huge sea of people is a strong message to the whole of Tamil Nadu, the country; Tamil Nadu is ready for change", while referring to the massive gathering at the rally.