Amid the LPG shortage caused by the West Asia conflict, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to the people of Tamil Nadu on Wednesday to remain calm and assured that their interests would be protected. Addressing a rally in Tiruchirappalli, he criticized the DMK.
Speaking at an NDA meeting in Tamil Nadu, he criticized the ruling DMK over alleged corruption, dynastic politics, and broken promises.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence in overcoming the LPG crisis, which has affected the country's hotel sector due to the short supply of commercial LPG.
"I urge everyone to share accurate and verified information," he said, apparently referring to the LPG crisis.
He stated that the conflict has affected the entire global energy supply chain.
"Today, I want to speak to the people of Tamil Nadu about the conflict in West Asia. It has affected the entire global energy supply chain. We believe in the ideology of India first. There is no need to panic or pay attention to rumors. In any situation, we have seen how our government always prioritizes the interests of India," he said.
"During the Covid pandemic, 140 crore Indians showed the world how mature our nation is. I am confident that as a nation, we will successfully navigate every situation," he said.
The Prime Minister's comments came in the wake of the short supply of commercial LPG and criticism from the opposition over the issue, as well as concerns about potential shortages or price increases of petrol and diesel.
Addressing the mega rally, attended by all NDA constituents, Modi criticized the DMK's rule in Tamil Nadu and stated that the people wanted a government that worked for every family, not just one.
Earlier, Modi unveiled and inaugurated projects worth Rs 5,650 crore, stating that these projects would create thousands of jobs for the youth of the state.
Sharpening his attack against the DMK, he said, "In DMK rule, everything starts and ends with one family..."
"In 2021, the people of Tamil Nadu brought the DMK to power; and instead of taking it as a responsibility, they betrayed the mandate," he said.
People know that the NDA can bring change to Tamil Nadu, he said. This was the third rally he had addressed since January 23.
The AIADMK heads the National Democratic Alliance in Tamil Nadu, and its constituents include the BJP, PMK, and AMMK.
Further, just like all rivers flow to the sea, all corrupt money in the state goes to one family, he said, targeting the DMK regime. The Dravidian party was infamous for its "scientific corruption model," he alleged.
"Today, the same scientific corruption model is used to make Tamil Nadu an ATM for one family," he said.
The DMK was "infamous for their scientific corruption" model, he said, retorting to party president and Chief Minister M K Stalin's refrain on the Dravidian model of governance, and alleged that "ministers may change, MLAs may change, but power remains only with one dynasty."
Targeting the DMK in the cash for jobs scam, he said when jobs were sold for money, the dreams of the middle class and poor were destroyed.
"The entire state of Tamil Nadu has made up its mind to throw out the DMK regime," Modi said.
The DMK had promised grain warehouses, but today, "farmers are searching for these, which are nowhere to be found."
Noting that the farmers of Cauvery delta form the backbone of Tamil Nadu's food security, he said, "Tamil Nadu farmers deserve fair prices, good facilities, and modern storage infrastructure."
On the international airport status for Madurai, he said the Centre has brought the world to the doorstep of the city. Also, he underscored a new terminal for Tiruchirappalli airport, which is "modern and fully immersed in the culture of Tamil Nadu."
He could feel the pulse of the state very clearly that a desire for change was gaining huge momentum.
"The river Cauvery flows with unstoppable force. Similarly, in this election season in Tamil Nadu, the desire for change is going to gain huge momentum. The entire state has made its mind to throw out the DMK from the government. The people want a government that works for every family, not just one family. And they know that only the NDA can bring the change for Tamil Nadu," he said.
He took a keen interest in connecting with the Tamil people, and when it came to respecting the state and its culture, the Centre has always been at the forefront.
"The upcoming election is the most important in Tamil Nadu's history. The choice before the people is very clear--one path leads to corruption, dynastic politics, and broken promises. The other path leads to development, opportunity, and honest governance. I have full faith in the wisdom of the people. Together we will build a Tamil Nadu that is prosperous; together we will build an India that is developed. Let your voice from Trichy echo across the state. TN wants change, TN wants NDA," he said.
Modi lashed out at the DMK regime on crimes against women and children in the state and said violent crimes against them have become common.
Criminals roam fearlessly, harming women, he said.
AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami, PMK Leader Anbumani Ramadoss, and BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran also lashed out against the DMK on issues, including law and order and dynastic rule.