Ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit, Union Minister Piyush Goyal, who is also the Tamil Nadu election in-charge, held a series of meetings with NDA allies to project unity within the coalition. The BJP has succeeded in bringing AMMK general secretary TTV Dhinakaran and the PMK Anbumani faction into the NDA fold.
Other allies, including GK Vasan-led TMC (Tamil Nadu Congress — Moopanar), TR Paarivendhar-led Indhiya Jananayaga Katchi, AC Shanmugam of the New Justice Party and B John Pandian of the Tamizhaga Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam, have reiterated their support for NDA. However, former ally O Panneerselvam is likely to miss the rally, as he has not been invited after recently quitting the NDA.
A senior BJP leader said efforts were still on to bring the DMDK, led by Premalatha Vijayakanth, back into the NDA fold, but confirmed that Panneerselvam had not been invited. The NDA ally leaders, including the major constituent AIADMK, will share the dais with Modi, the leader said.
According to the schedule, Modi will address the gathering at 3 pm. He is scheduled to leave Maduranthakam at 4.30 pm.
Union Minister L Murugan, after reviewing arrangements for the tightly scheduled three-hour visit under high security, said, “The prime minister will address the NDA public meeting at Madhuranthakam, Chengalpattu, marking the beginning of the NDA’s election campaign in Tamil Nadu,” PTI quoted him as saying.
Also read: PM Modi receives UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed on brief India visit
Calling the rally a major moment, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami said around five lakh people were expected to attend, adding that the event would be a “big turning point.” Piyush Goyal said the NDA was “100% united” and that people from across Tamil Nadu were enthusiastically coming to meet PM Modi.
