Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a sharp political attack on the ruling DMK government in Tamil Nadu during a massive NDA rally on Friday, accusing the party of corruption, mafia activities and crime. Setting the tone for the 2026 Assembly elections, he claimed that the people of Tamil Nadu were ready for change and that the NDA was the preferred choice for development and better governance.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said the huge crowd at the rally reflected the growing mood across the state. “Tamil Nadu wants freedom from DMK’s misgovernance. The NDA is the people’s preferred choice,” he said. He further added, “This vast sea of people is sending a very strong message across Tamil Nadu and the entire country. The message is clear — Tamil Nadu is now ready for change.”

Recalling the electoral mandate received by the DMK, Modi accused the party of betraying the trust of the people. “You gave DMK a full majority twice, but they broke the trust of the people. They made heaps of promises, but delivered zero work,” he said.

He described the state government as the “CMC government”, explaining the meaning of the term. “CMC means Corruption, Mafia and Crime. People across Tamil Nadu are calling it that,” he said. According to him, people had already decided to remove the DMK from power. “The people have made up their minds to uproot both DMK and CMC. A BJP-led NDA double-engine government is certain to come to power here,” Modi said.

The Prime Minister strongly criticised the DMK government for allowing the drug and liquor mafias to flourish in Tamil Nadu. He expressed concern over the impact of drugs on young people and families. “The drug mafia is targeting our youth. Mothers are worried, parents are watching their children’s lives being ruined,” he said.

He further alleged that the state had become a hub of illegal activities under the DMK rule. “DMK has turned Tamil Nadu into a drug-ridden spaces. Along with drugs, liquor mafias have also grown during their rule,” he said.

Modi repeated his charge that the government had failed to control the growing menace of drugs. “DMK has turned this state into drug-ridden space. Parents across Tamil Nadu are worried about their children falling into drug addiction,” he said.

Accusing the DMK of promoting dynastic politics, Modi said the party was functioning only for the benefit of one family. “DMK is working only for one family. If you want to move ahead in that party, you have no option but to become a ‘yes’ person,” he said.

He also claimed that corruption was widespread across the state. “Even a child in Tamil Nadu knows the extent of corruption in the state and whose pockets the money reaches,” Modi said.

Calling for unity among NDA leaders, Modi said they were determined to create a strong political front in Tamil Nadu. “We see our NDA leaders standing together for a strong front. Our mission is to free Tamil Nadu from the claws of DMK and make it a corruption-free state,” he said.

He also linked the progress of Tamil Nadu with the progress of the country. “Tamil Nadu can move fast only when it becomes vikasit. And when Tamil Nadu progresses, the country progresses at the same pace,” he added.

During his speech, the Prime Minister referred to cultural and historical occasions. “This is my first visit to Tamil Nadu in 2026, when the entire state is still celebrating Pongal,” he said.

He also paid tribute to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose on Parakram Diwas, observed on January 23. Highlighting the role of freedom fighters from Tamil Nadu, he said, “Valour and patriotism are deeply rooted in the people of this land.”

Modi highlighted the development record of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre and its financial support to Tamil Nadu. “In the last 11 years, Rs 3 lakh crore has been given to Tamil Nadu through devolution, which is three times more than what was allocated during previous coalition governments,” he said.

He also said that thousands of crores had been spent on welfare schemes for the poor.

At the rally, AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami also criticised the DMK government. He said corruption was the only achievement of the DMK during its 4.5 years in office and claimed that the NDA was a strong alliance ready to form the next government.

The Prime Minister spoke about the NDA’s plans for farmers and fishermen. He said the Centre was working to connect small farmers and fishermen with cooperatives and strengthen Farmer Producer Organisations.

“There is immense potential for food processing in Tamil Nadu. We want the produce of Tamil Nadu’s farmers and fishermen to reach global markets,” he said. He added that agriculture-linked industries were seen as major sources of income and employment.

Modi also spoke about financial inclusion. “Earlier, very few farmers had bank accounts. The NDA government opened bank accounts and launched schemes like PM Kisan Samman Nidhi,” he said.

Under the scheme, he said farmers across the country had received close to Rs 4 lakh crore so far, including Rs 12,700 crore transferred to the accounts of lakhs of farmers in Tamil Nadu.

The Prime Minister said the development of a Viksit Bharat depended on youth and women empowerment, but accused the DMK government of failing in these areas. “Instead of empowering youth, the state has allowed drug abuse and mafias to threaten their future,” he said.

He also outlined the NDA’s plans for healthcare and employment in Tamil Nadu. “We will promote the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. This will strengthen healthcare and create new employment opportunities for the youth,” Modi said.

With strong political messaging and development promises, Modi’s speech marked a major push by the NDA ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.