Trichy (Tamil Nadu), March 11 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday appealed to the people not to pay attention to rumors or panic in the wake of the disruption in LPG supply caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia, and urged that only verified information be disseminated.
The PM's comments come in the wake of the commercial LPG shortage that has affected the hotel industry across the country and opposition criticism over the issue, as well as amidst fears of a possible shortage or surge in prices of petrol and diesel in the coming days.
Addressing a mega NDA election rally here, the PM also criticized the DMK rule in Tamil Nadu, saying that people wanted a government that worked for every family, and not just for one family.
"I would like to appeal to people, let us only spread correct, verified information," he said, apparently referring to the LPG crisis triggered by the supply disruption due to the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran, which has affected the Gulf region.
He said that the conflict has affected the entire world's energy supply chain.
"There is no need to panic or pay attention to rumors," he said.
"In any situation, we have seen how our government always puts the interests of India above everything."
He said he was confident that as a nation, "we will successfully navigate every situation."
Sharpening his attack against the DMK, he said, "In DMK rule, everything starts and ends with one family..."
"In 2021, the people of TN brought the DMK to power; and instead of taking it as a responsibility, they have betrayed the mandate."
People know that the NDA could bring change in Tamil Nadu, the Prime Minister said, addressing the massive rally of the opposition bloc, here, the third one for the state 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 go 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.
Mounting a blistering attack on the ruling DMK dispensation, Modi said that "today the same 'scientific corruption model' is used to make Tamil Nadu an ATM for one family."
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 DMK in the cash-for-jobs scam, he said, "When jobs were sold for money, the dreams of the middle class and the poor were destroyed."
"The entire state of Tamil Nadu has made up its mind to throw out the DMK regime," Modi said.
On the international airport status for Madurai, he said that the Centre has brought the world to the doorstep of the city. Also, he underscored a new terminal for the 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.
He took a keen interest in connecting with the Tamil people, and when it came to respecting Tamil Nadu and its culture, the Centre has always been at the forefront. It was a matter of pride that C P Radhakrishnan, a son of Tamil Nadu, has become the Vice-President.
Recalling his "divine experience" in the city two years ago, he said it was a privilege to be among the people again in Tiruchirappalli, "a land of courage and faith."
AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami, BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran, AMMK founder TTV Dhinakaran, and PMK leader Dr Anbumani Ramadoss among others participated.