PM Modi in Tamil Nadu Highlights: Stalin mocks 'double-engine' model as 'dummy engine'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said he met respected priests from the Sowmyanarayana Perumal Temple and thanked them for their blessings.

AMMK General Secretary TTV Dhinakaran on Friday claimed that more than five lakh people attended the rally in Chengalpattu, saying it had turned into a “regional conference.” Addressing the gathering, Dhinakaran asserted that the scale of participation reflected strong public support and expressed confidence that the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam would form the government.

Kerala Education Minister V Shivankutty criticised the exclusion of the Thiruvananthapuram Mayor from the reception for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, calling it an insult to the city and a violation of federal propriety, and accused the BJP of failing to honour election promises.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP, dismissing the much-touted “double-engine” governance model as a “dummy engine” that, he said, would never run in Tamil Nadu.

In a strongly worded statement, Stalin said Tamil Nadu has achieved historic growth despite what he described as obstacles created by the BJP-led Centre. Drawing comparisons, he argued that states ruled by non-BJP governments—Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, Karnataka and West Bengal—are “soaring high in development,” unlike BJP-ruled states such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar.

Reacting to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech, AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Satyan on Thursday said the Prime Minister had strongly targeted the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam over what he described as crime, mafia and corruption, while also launching a sharp attack on dynasty politics.

Reacting to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kerala, CPI leader Binoy Viswam on Thursday said the Prime Minister’s visit was routine and failed to address the concerns of the state. Speaking in Thiruvananthapuram, Viswam said he had raised several issues in an open letter to the Prime Minister, but claimed Kerala was left disappointed. He alleged that the Modi government was more focused on political “drama” than on addressing real issues faced by the people of the state.

The Tamil Nadu assembly on Friday adopted a resolution urging the Centre to continue with the MGNREGA to protect the livelihoods of the rural population in the state.
 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said Tamil Nadu has played a vital role in enriching India’s civilisation, citing its Sangam-era literature, scientific traditions, temples and technological contributions. Addressing a public gathering in Chengalpattu, Modi said Tamil Nadu has always been a source of national pride and will have a major role to play as India moves towards becoming a developed country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said Tamil Nadu has played a historic role in enriching India’s civilisation, citing its Sangam-era literature, scientific traditions, temples and technological contributions. Addressing a public gathering, Modi said Tamil Nadu has always enhanced India’s pride and will play a crucial role as the country moves towards the goal of becoming a developed nation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance government at the Centre has done extensive work for Tamil Nadu over the last 11 years. Addressing a public rally, Modi alleged that when the United Progressive Alliance was in power, the state received minimal funds from the Centre.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday alleged that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam had broken the trust of the people despite being given a full majority twice in Tamil Nadu. Addressing a public rally, Modi said the DMK made “heaps of promises” but delivered no development, claiming that people were now referring to it as a “CMC government,” which he said stood for “Corruption, Mafia and Crime.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched a sharp attack on the DMK government while addressing a public gathering in Tamil Nadu, alleging that it has “nothing to do with democracy or accountability.” The Prime Minister said the state government functions only for the benefit of one family.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "This vast sea of people is sending a very strong message across all of Tamil Nadu, across the entire country. The message is that Tamil Nadu is now ready for change..."

Addressing a public rally in Madurantakam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said 2026 marked his first visit to Tamil Nadu this year, noting that the state was still celebrating the spirit of the Pongal festival. He also recalled the recent birth anniversary of Tamil Nadu’s development icon and Bharat Ratna awardee MG Ramachandran, paying tribute to him from the stage. The Prime Minister said he bowed at the feet of the late leader and conveyed his best wishes for the welfare of the people and the prosperity of Tamil Nadu.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid tributes to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary, observed as Parakram Diwas, while addressing a gathering in Tamil Nadu. The Prime Minister said several brave freedom fighters from Tamil Nadu had fought alongside Netaji in the struggle for independence, adding that valour and patriotism are deeply ingrained in the hearts of the people of the state. He said he paid his respects to Netaji from the “sacred land” of Tamil Nadu.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed a public rally in Madurantakam, Tamil Nadu, greeting the gathering with a traditional “Vanakkam.” The Prime Minister’s address marked a key stop in his outreach in the poll-bound state, as he sought to connect with local sentiments while outlining the BJP-led NDA’s vision for development.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said he had a “wonderful meeting” with Sabu M Jacob in Thiruvananthapuram, and formally welcomed Twenty20 into the National Democratic Alliance. In a post on X, the Prime Minister said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to transparent and people-centric governance, signalling a strengthening of the NDA’s outreach in Kerala ahead of upcoming political battles.

During his visit to Kerala on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met seers associated with the Sivagiri Mutt in Varkala.

"Met Swamis associated with the Sree Narayana Dharma Sanghom Trust, Sivagiri Mutt, Varkala. Their dedicated work in the fields of social service, education, spirituality and community welfare has made a lasting contribution to our social fabric. Rooted in the timeless ideals of Sree Narayana Guru, their efforts continue to promote equality, harmony and dignity across society," he said in a post on X.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday moved a special resolution in the state Assembly against the newly enacted Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB—G RAM G) rural employment guarantee scheme. The state government, through the resolution, demanded that the Centre restore the previous funding structure of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA).

Presenting the resolution, CM Stalin said, "Respecting the principles of federalism, the state government should be allowed to formulate the method for distributing the allocation to the states based on the demand for work. The increase in the state government's financial contribution to 40 percent in this new scheme significantly increases the financial burden on the state government. Therefore, the financial contribution for the new scheme should be revised to be similar to the financial contribution for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme."

The resolution was moved hours ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Tamil Nadu scheduled for Friday.

Tamil Nadu's BJP unit president, Nainar Nagenthran, has exuded confidence that the NDA, led by his party, will definitely be able to wrest power in the state. Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally near Chennai on Friday, he said, "Honourable Prime Minister is coming for the grand NDA meeting. No party has held such a grand meeting till now. NDA will come to power, DMK will be out."

WATCH | People arrive at the venue of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally near Chennai in Tamil Nadu. The prime minister is set to speak there later in the day.

Addressing a much-awaited rally in Thiruvananthapuram, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "Corruption has severely hampered development in Kerala. Even the savings deposited in banks under the LDF have been affected. The cooperative bank scam has resulted in the hard-earned money of the poor and middle class being looted... Give BJP an opportunity, and we will ensure that every penny from the looters is taken back,"

Prime Minister Narendra Modi alleges that the ruling Left Democratic Front in Kerala has been deliberately hindering progress in the state by opposing his government's initiatives. "The LDF is hindering Kerala's progress by opposing central government initiatives. They are obstructing the implementation of the next phase of the PM Awas Yojana (Urban) and causing delays in the provision of piped water. Furthermore, they are preventing underprivileged children from accessing modern schools like those established under the PM SHRI scheme. Such anti-poor actions by the LDF warrant a strong response," he stated.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that the BJP's victory in the Thiruvananthapuram civic body polls held last month indicates that the party is getting acceptance in Kerala. "Before 1987, BJP was a party at the periphery in Gujarat. In 1987, for the first time, the BJP won Amdavad Municipal Corporation - just like you won in Thiruvananthapuram today. From there, the series, which began in Gujarat - people saw our work, assessed our conduct and as a result, people there have been giving us opportunities for the past several decades. It all began with one city. In Kerala, too, it has begun with one city. Now, Kerala has trusted us and connected with us," he stated.

Launching scathing attacks against the two most prominent mainstream coalitions in Kerala, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "If Kerala has to advance, then the LDF-UDF pairing has to be broken." 

Ahead of the upcoming Assembly election in Kerala, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "People have to elect a pro-people and pro-development government. Only the BJP and the NDA can accomplish such a goal."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches a scathing attack against the UDF and the ruling LDF in Kerala, claiming that "corruption" by the two alliances has kept Thiruvananthapuram's civic condition backward for decades. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "BJP's victory in Thiruvananthapuram civic body polls is not ordinary. It is extraordinary. The people of Thiruvananthapuram gave the BJP a chance to serve them."
 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "BJP's victory in Thiruvananthapuram is a victory for the commitment to defeat the corruption of LDF and UDF."

Speaking at a political rally in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "Your enthusiasm gives me hopes that Kerala will definitely witness 'Parivartan (change)'."

Watch Prime Minister Narendra Modi getting an enthusiastic welcome in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram.

Visuals: ANI/DD

Speaking at his much-awaited public meeting in poll-bound Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the NDA government in Centre is making significant investments in connectivity, science and innovation, and healthcare. He stated, "The inauguration of the CSIR Innovation Hub in Kerala, along with the launch of the Radio Surgery Centre at the Medical College, will help establish Kerala as a prominent centre for science, innovation, and healthcare."

Welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed his gratitude towards the Centre and said that the developmental projects launched by him hold great significance for the state.

"The PM has been kind enough to come down to Keralam, to launch a number of projects that would go a long way in the development of the State. It includes the laying of the foundation stone of CSIR-NIIST Innovation Hub, inauguration of Poojappura Head Post Office Building, launch of PM SVANIDHI scheme that caters to one lakh beneficiaries. Handing over of credit cards and loan disbursement cheques to the beneficiaries also are being done here in this function," CM Vijayan said.

PM Modi said with the new developmental projects the efforts of the central government for the state's development have gained momentum. "The efforts of the Central Government for Kerala's development have gained new momentum today. Rail connectivity in Kerala has been strengthened starting today. Initiatives have been launched to make Thiruvananthapuram a major startup hub in the country. Today, from Kerala, a major initiative linked to the welfare of the poor for the entire country is also being launched. Today, the PM SVANidhi Credit Card has been launched. This will benefit street vendors and those working on footpaths across the country," he added.

PM Modi flagged off four new trains in Kerala in presence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged four new train services in Kerala, including three Amrit Bharat Express trains and one passenger train.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram on Friday morning to launch various developmental projects and flag off multiple trains in the poll-bound state. He landed in the city at around 10:25 am, airport sources told news agency PTI.

AMMK chief TTV Dhinakaran has expelled the party's Deputy General Secretary SVSP Manickaraja. The development came two days after AMMK rejoined the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance ahead of the upcoming Assembly election in Tamil Nadu.

The Congress high command is set to meet party leaders from Kerala at 04.30 PM today at its Indira Bhawan headquarters in Delhi. Kerala is set to witness Assembly elections later this year.

Ahead of his visit to Tamil Nadu on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a sharp attack against the state's ruling DMK. Posting on X, he wrote, "Tamil Nadu is with NDA! I’ll be joining NDA leaders at the rally in Madhuranthakam later today. Tamil Nadu has decided that it’s time to bid farewell to the corrupt DMK Government. The NDA’s governance record and commitment to regional aspirations are striking a chord with the people of the state."

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor won’t be taking part in the meeting called by the party leadership to discuss the upcoming Kerala elections. As per sources, he felt insulted during a recent event held in Kochi. He is upset with both state and central leadership of the party, the sources said.

According to them, there was an issue with the protocol-based seating arrangement at the 'Mahapanchayat' organised by the Kerala Congress unit. Tharoor was told that only Rahul Gandhi would speak after his speech, the sources said. 

"Many other party leaders spoke after Rahul Gandhi arrived for the event. Rahul Gandhi, while speaking, did not take his name," they stated.

Tharoor will be taking part in the Kerala literature festival today.

During his visit to Kerala on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone for the CSIR-NIIST Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship Hub in Thiruvananthapuram. 

"The hub will focus on life sciences and the bio-economy, integrate traditional knowledge systems such as Ayurveda with modern biotechnology, sustainable packaging, and green hydrogen, and promote startup creation, technology transfer, and global collaboration. It will serve as a platform for converting research into market-ready solutions and enterprises," the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) stated.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also launch the PM SVANidhi Credit Card during his visit to Kerala and Tamil Nadu on Friday, the Prime Minister's Office informed. The move, the PMO asserted, will mark the next phase of financial inclusion for street vendors. "The UPI-linked, interest-free revolving credit facility will provide instant liquidity, promote digital transactions, and help beneficiaries build formal credit histories," it added.

Four new train services, including three Amrit Bharat Express trains, will be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Kerala and Tamil Nadu today. These include the Nagercoil-Mangaluru Amrit Bharat Express, Thiruvananthapuram-Tambaram Amrit Bharat Express, Thiruvananthapuram-Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express, and a new passenger train between Thrissur and Guruvayur.

"The introduction of these services will significantly enhance long-distance and regional connectivity between Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, making travel more affordable, safe and time-bound for passengers," the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in an  official release.

As part of his itinerary for Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will first visit Thiruvananthapuram for an official programme to launch and lay foundation stones for development projects and flag off new trains.

"After the government programme, the prime minister will address party rallies in Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala and Chengalpattu in Tamil Nadu," sources cited by news agency PTI said.