NDA campaign kicks off at PM Modi rally near Chennai; Dhinakaran targets Stalin over 'dynastic politics'

Chennai, Jan 23 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi's election rally near Madurantakam on the outskirts of Chennai on Friday marked the formal launch of the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) campaign for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, with alliance leaders mounting a sharp offensive against the ruling DMK government. 

Addressing the gathering ahead of and during the Prime Minister’s programme, AMMK leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran accused Chief Minister M.K. Stalin of indulging in dynastic politics while the people of the state continue to face distress.

He alleged that instead of focusing on governance, law and order and economic relief, the Chief Minister was concentrating on grooming his son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, to eventually take over as Chief Minister.

"When the entire state is suffering, the Chief Minister's priority is to promote his son," he said, accusing the DMK of betraying the trust placed in it by the people.

According to him, Tamil Nadu was witnessing rising crime, violence, and a breakdown of public order, even as the government remained focused on family-centric politics.

The NDA rally, held in the presence of Prime Minister Modi, brought together senior leaders of the alliance on a single stage, signalling unity ahead of the crucial polls.

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss, Tamil Maanila Congress (Moopanar) president G.K. Vasan and leaders of other NDA constituents were present at the rally.

Dhinakaran said Prime Minister Modi, now serving his third consecutive term, was determined to put an end to what he described as "anti-people family rule" in Tamil Nadu.

He asserted that the NDA aims to offer an alternative political culture centred on development, security and corruption-free governance.

Explaining the AMMK's decision to join the NDA, he acknowledged that there had been disagreements and conflicts in the past. However, he said these differences were consciously set aside in the larger interest of Tamil Nadu.

"We accepted the Prime Minister’s invitation without confusion or pressure and joined the alliance with clarity and conviction," he said.

Invoking the legacy of former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, he said she had taught leaders the importance of taking firm positions -- both in support and in opposition -- whenever public interest demanded it.

As Prime Minister Modi's rally set the tone for the NDA's campaign, dynastic politics and governance failures emerged as key themes in the alliance’s attack on the ruling DMK.