Addressing a press conference here, Nagendran stated that the party’s election manifesto and alliance specifics would be clarified following high-level discussions with the Union Minister.
“Union Minister Piyush Goyal is coming to Chennai tomorrow. After his arrival, we will hold talks and announce the seat-sharing details,” Nagenthran said.
The announcement comes amid intensifying verbal volleys between the BJP and the ruling DMK.
Reacting to Chief Minister M K Stalin’s repeated “Delhi” jibes, Nagenthran claimed that the DMK leadership is “trembling with fear” over the BJP’s growing footprint.
“I don’t know why the Chief Minister is so terrified of Delhi. Whether we hold our meetings in Bengaluru or Delhi, the DMK seems to be in a state of panic,” he remarked, dismissing allegations that the AIADMK or other parties were functioning as “slaves” to the national capital.
Defending the Centre’s contribution to the state, the BJP leader highlighted that the Modi government has sanctioned approximately Rs 14 lakh crore to Tamil Nadu over the last decade.He cited major infrastructure projects, including the Rs 350-crore Thoothukudi airport expansion and the Rs 650-crore Trichy airport project, as evidence of the union government’s commitment to the state’s development.
Nagenthran also launched a scathing attack on the state government over the prevailing law and order situation, specifically citing the “ganja menace.” He pointed to the seizure of 22,000 kg of ganja over the past five years and a recent brutal attack on a schoolgirl in Vilathikulam by a convict out on parole.
“The Chief Minister should focus on stopping the spread of drugs and improving public safety instead of constantly obsessing over Delhi,” Nagenthran added.
On the emergence of a “fifth front” involving the PMK and Sasikala, the BJP state unit chief downplayed its potential impact, stating that in a democracy, anyone is free to start a party or form a front. “The only impact right now in Tamil Nadu is the impact of the summer heat,” he quipped.
Responding to queries about his own candidacy, Nagenthran expressed confidence in his rapport with the voters of Tirunelveli, noting his history of securing significant mandates across five assembly terms.
He maintained that the party would contest based on developmental principles and the strength of the NDA alliance.
The assembly elections for the state are scheduled to be held on April 23.
