‘Opposition Has a Competition – Who Will Abuse Modi Most?’ Says PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi kick-started the NDA’s Lok Sabha election campaign in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally kick-started the National Democratic Alliance’s Lok Sabha election campaign in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, 6 March 2019.

(Photo Courtesy: Twitter/ANI)

Hatred for Modi among the Opposition is reaching new levels. They’ve a competition – who will abuse Modi the most? Some abuse me and my family, some mock my poverty, some abuse my lower caste origins. Now, one Congress leader talks of killing Modi, but I’m not bothered, I’m here to do my work.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing a rally in Chennai.

While speaking at a rally in Chennai – that formally kick-started the National Democratic Alliance’s Lok Sabha election campaign on Wednesday, 6 March – the prime minister took a jibe at the Opposition.

The public meeting was held in the presence of leaders of all alliance partners.

The BJP-AIADMK-PMK sealed an alliance on 19 February 2019, ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The BJP will be contesting on five seats in the elections.

At the event, Narendra Modi announced that the landmark Chennai Central Station will be renamed ‘after the great MGR’.

“I am happy to have inaugurated a statue of the great son of soil, Bharat Ratna MGR, a short while ago. MGR is one of the most respected icons of India. He ruled the film screen and the hearts of the people. He worked extensively for the downtrodden. His social welfare schemes gave strength to the fight against poverty,” he said. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami said they will definitely emerge victorious as this is a ‘mega alliance.’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled many roadways, railways and energy projects. He laid the foundation stone for the four-laning of Vikravandi-Sethiyathopu section, Sethiyahopu Cholopuram section and Cholopuram-Thanjavur section of NH-45C.

Speaking at the event, Modi promised that the Centre is making continuous efforts towards the development of Tamil Nadu. “We are committed to creating a developed Tamil Nadu that Amma Jayalalithaa dreamt of,” he said.

Tapping in on Tamil sentiments, he added, “We are seriously thinking about that flights to and from TN have in-flight announcement in Tamil language.”

It would make you proud that India has committed to construct fourteen-thousand houses for Indian origin Tamils in Sri Lanka. Last year, the first 1,000 houses were handed over to the beneficiaries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

EPS, OPS Shower Praises on Modi

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami was all praise for Modi at the rally.

“Only Modi has the qualification to rule India with a population of 130 crore. We can feel safe because he is the prime minister,” he said.

“Today, foreign powers are creating a lot of problems for our country. The only person who can handle such threats is PM Modi and the people have already decided that.”

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami

Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam talked of the connection PM Modi had with former chief minister Jayalalithaa, saying he saw ‘Amma as his elder sister’. “He has supported us to conduct Jallikattu in our state. We want him to come back as PM. Does the Opposition have the courage to say who will be PM in the rival camp?” he asked.

Commenting on the Pulwama attack, Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami said,

“Today, foreign powers are creating a lot of problems for our country. The only person who can handle such threats is PM Modi and the people have already decided that. We have all united on this stage together and are supporting the BJP only to ensure the country is protected. Modi alone has the qualification to steer India,” he said.

DMDK Alliance In Soup?

Ahead of the meeting, there was speculation that DMDK, led by Vijayakanth, will sign a poll pact with the AIADMK-BJP-PMK alliance.

In an interaction with the media at the Chennai Airport, Minister of Railways Piyush Goyal, in response to a question on the possible BJP-DMDK alliance, said, “Expect surprises.”

Huge banners at the venue of the BJP rally showcased pictures of DMDK Chief Vijayakanth and Tamil Manila Congress Chief GK Vasan. At his residence, Deputy CM O Panneerselvam had even confirmed the alliance between DMDK and AIADMK. However, shortly after, their pictures were missing from the banners.