Amid constant attempts by Dravidianist media to stir doubts about the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Tamil Nadu, BJP state president Nainar Nagendran and AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami have firmly asserted that the alliance remains united. Both leaders brushed aside insinuations about a possible rift, maintaining that the NDA is well-positioned to win the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections and form the government.
Echoing their sentiments, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in a recent interview with Dinamalar, delivered a pointed rebuttal to the Dravidian ecosystem’s aspiration. He asserted that the NDA will come to power in Tamil Nadu and that the BJP will play a key role in the formation of the next state government.
Amit Shah on 2026 Assembly Elections and DMK’s Deflections
Addressing the political climate in Tamil Nadu, Amit Shah touched on various topics like how the DMK uses diversionary tactics, how the party often blames the central government to mask its administrative failures — from law and order deterioration to widespread corruption and an anti-Hindu narrative.
He emphasized that the recent Lok Sabha election results, where BJP showed significant progress, will serve as a precursor to the Assembly elections, reflecting increasing public trust in the BJP and growing support for the AIADMK-led alliance.
On Delimitation: “No Decision Made, DMK Creating Panic”
Responding to the DMK’s opposition to the possible redrawing of Lok Sabha constituencies, Shah clarified that no legislation or official decision has been taken on delimitation. He accused the DMK of fabricating issues to divert attention from internal rifts, corruption allegations, and dynastic politics—particularly the rise of Udhayanidhi Stalin.
He reiterated that when delimitation does occur, Tamil Nadu will not be treated unfairly and that a consultative process involving all stakeholders will be followed. Shah reminded that he had made this assurance publicly during an earlier visit to the state.
“More Funds, More Development — DMK’s Claims Are Baseless”
Countering claims that the BJP-led Centre has neglected Tamil Nadu, Shah laid out detailed figures:
- The UPA government (with DMK as part of it) allocated ₹1.53 lakh crore to Tamil Nadu in a decade before 2014.
- In contrast, the BJP government has allocated ₹5.48 lakh crore in the past 10 years — a 3.5x increase.
- Major investments include ₹1.43 lakh crore in infrastructure, ₹63,000 crore for roads, ₹77,000 crore in railway projects, ₹2,000 crore for 11 medical colleges, and ₹1.11 lakh crore for the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Prime Minister Modi’s recent announcement of ₹20,000 crore in new development projects in Trichy, he added, shows the Centre’s commitment to Tamil Nadu’s growth.
“DMK Mismanages Central Schemes, Blocks Progress”
Shah accused the DMK government of either rejecting or misusing central welfare schemes. Not only has Tamil Nadu delayed or misappropriated funds from schemes like the PM Matru Vandana Yojana and MGNREGA, but corruption is also rampant in implementation. He pointed to fake connections in the Jal Jeevan Mission and the distribution of housing benefits to ineligible individuals as examples.
The recent Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report, Shah noted, exposed misuse of ICTS funds and ongoing irregularities in rural job programs.
Law and Order Breakdown Hindering Growth
Shah raised serious concerns about the law and order situation in Tamil Nadu, citing its negative impact on investment and public safety.
- Crimes against Scheduled Castes have risen by 40% in the state.
- Only 21% of sexual assault cases against Dalit women have resulted in convictions, compared to the national average of 39.1%.
- He also pointed out caste-based discrimination, where Dalit panchayat presidents are being denied basic dignity, with some being forced to sit on the floor.
Shah emphasized that such an environment undermines democracy and deters businesses from investing.
“Corruption Has Crossed All Limits”
Listing out corruption scandals under the DMK regime, Shah alleged massive scams in various sectors:
- ₹39,775 crore liquor scam
- ₹5,800 crore sand mining scam
- ₹3,000 crore ELCOT scam
- ₹4,400 crore energy scam
- ₹3,000 crore transport scam
He added that lakhs of rupees are being extorted from job aspirants, citing a case where a single person was defrauded of ₹41,503 under the NREGA scheme.
On Crime, Illegal Immigration, and Drugs
When asked whether the Centre could intervene to control the situation in Tamil Nadu, Shah emphasized the constitutional boundaries. “Law and order is primarily a state subject,” he clarified, “but wherever possible, national agencies are stepping in.” He acknowledged the rise in drug abuse, and the unchecked operations of liquor and sand mafias under the current DMK regime.
He also raised concerns about the illegal presence of Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants in Tamil Nadu. He promised that, “once the NDA assumes power in the state, action will be taken to eliminate such unlawful settlements and restore order”.
NDA Will Form Government in Tamil Nadu, Says Amit Shah
When asked if the BJP was anticipating a coalition government in Tamil Nadu, Union Home Minister Amit Shah responded with confidence, “After the assembly elections, there is no doubt—the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will form the government in Tamil Nadu, and the BJP will be an integral part of that administration.”
Pressed on what fuels such certainty, Shah pointed to recent electoral trends, “If you carefully analyze the Lok Sabha election results, it’s clear that the NDA has the momentum. With intensified efforts and additional campaigning during the assembly elections, we are confident of securing a majority and forming the government.”
DMK’s Religious Polarization Will Backfire, Says Shah
On the DMK’s alleged anti-Hindu stance and the question of whether the BJP would turn it into a political weapon, Shah was measured in his response, “We don’t need to make an issue out of it. Whenever they make derogatory remarks against any religion, it’s not us but the people who take note. The public will hold them accountable at the ballot box.”
On the Uniform Civil Code
Asked about the delay in implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) nationally, Shah reiterated the BJP’s phased approach. “Wherever the BJP is in power, we are taking steps toward implementing the Uniform Civil Code. States like Uttarakhand have already enacted it. In several other states, committees have been established, and the process is underway.”
Union Minister Amit Shah’s statements mark a strong political counter to the Dravidian narrative. From debunking misinformation on delimitation to exposing alleged corruption and defending the Centre’s development record, Shah presented a confident blueprint for the NDA’s future in Tamil Nadu — signaling that BJP’s role in the state’s political landscape is far from peripheral.
(With Inputs From Dinamalar)
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