PM Modi to kickstart NDA poll campaign in Tamil Nadu with seven allies in massive show of strength

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a rally in Tamil Nadu today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will kickstart the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) election campaign in Tamil Nadu on Friday by addressing a public meeting in Maduranthakam near Chennai.

At least seven constituents of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Tamil Nadu, including the AIADMK, will share the stage with PM Modi during his public meeting, BJP leaders said.

The mega poll rally is likely to set the tone and tenor for a high decibel campaign against the ruling DMK dispensation in the state.

"This marks the beginning of the NDA’s election campaign in Tamil Nadu under the leadership and guidance of PM Modi ji and Thiru Edappadi K Palaniswami ji. It is also the first step towards ending the DMK’s corruption-ridden government and ushering in good governance, opportunities and prosperity for every section. This time, NDA will shine in Tamil Nadu," BJP Tamil Nadu election in-charge Piyush Goyal said in a post on the social media platform 'X.'

Several parties pledge support

Ahead of PM Modi's visit, BJP senior leader and Tamil Nadu election in-charge Piyush Goyal held a series of meetings with allies to ensure that they all present a picture of unity. The party also succeeded in roping in AMMK general secretary TTV Dhinakaran and PMK Anbumani faction.

Other allies such as G K Vasan-led TMC, and T R Paarivendhar-led Indhiya Jananayaga Katchi, A C Shanmugam of New Justice Party and B John Pandian of Tamizhaga Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam have reiterated their support to the NDA.

7-tier security in place

Elaborate security arrangements are in place in Maduranthakam, located about 87 km from Chennai. A helicopter landing area has been readied to facilitate the Prime Minister to land in the neighbouring Chengalpattu district, where Maduranthakam is situated, a police official said, PTI reported.

Heavy vehicles will not be allowed on Chennai-Tindivanam GST Road and similarly, the Greater Chennai City Police (GCP) has prohibited the flying of drones or unmanned aerial vehicles. A seven-tier arrangement with deployment of 3,500 police personnel have been made where the meeting will be held.

A Special Protection Group (SPG) team from Delhi, headed by AIG Ami Chand Yadav, held an Advanced Security Liaison (ASL) meeting at the old Chennai Airport. Participants included Chennai City Police, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), district revenue officials, airport authorities, intelligence agencies, VIP security, medical, and fire services.

The team scrutinised aircraft parking zones, helicopter pads for the Maduranthakam hop, and surveillance responsibilities. The old Chennai Airport falls under a four-day security lockdown from January 20 to 23. Further checks target the rally site and helicopter landing pad, ensuring airtight coverage for Modi's brief visit.

Chengalpattu district police have also rolled out sweeping restrictions on the Chennai-Tiruchi National Highway (GST Road) and nearby routes to accommodate the Prime Minister's rally. Heavy vehicles face a complete ban on the GST Road between Chennai and Tindivanam from 7 am to 7 pm on Friday, forcing drivers to reroute and easing congestion around the high-profile venue. Government buses and light motor vehicles encounter diversions from 11 am to 7 pm.