Chennai: PM Modi holds Roadshow Ahead of Lok Sabha Polls

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted a roadshow in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, as part of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s efforts to expand its presence in the southern states on Tuesday.

PM Modi conducted his second roadshow in Tamil Nadu within a month.

The roadshow commenced near Panagal Park and concluded near Teynampet signal. The Prime Minister campaigned for BJP’s South Chennai candidate Tamilisai Soundarajan, Central Chennai candidate Vinoj P Selvam, and North Chennai candidate Paul Kanagaraj. Large crowds gathered on both sides of the road to witness the event and showered petals on the Prime Minister.

PM Modi was observed holding the party’s “Kamal” (Lotus) logo in his hand.

BJP candidate from South Chennai, Tamilisai Soundararajan, said, “There is a spark of happiness. We are so fortunate to have a Prime Minister like him. There is a lot of enthusiasm among our workers. PM Modi’s visit will help us, we will win. People of South Chennai are very happy…”

Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai accompanied PM Modi during the roadshow. Former Telangana Governor and BJP candidate from South Chennai, Tamilisai Soundararajan, was also in attendance.

Earlier, Tamilisai said, “There is a spark of happiness. We are so fortunate to have a Prime Minister like him. There is a lot of enthusiasm among our workers. PM Modi’s visit will help us, we will win. People of South Chennai are very happy.”

The BJP has nominated former Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan to contest against Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam’s (DMK) Tamilachi Thangapandian in South Chennai. In Central Chennai, the party has put forward Vinoj P Selvam to compete against DMK’s Dayanidhi Maran. The Prime Minister’s visit to Tamil Nadu spans two days, during which he will participate in two public meetings in the state on Wednesday.

Voting for all 39 seats in Tamil Nadu is scheduled for the first phase of the general elections on April 19.

During the 2019 general elections, the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, which included the Congress, VCK, MDMK, CPI, CPI(M), IUML, MMK, KMDK, TVK, AIFB, achieved a landslide victory, securing 38 out of the 39 seats in the state.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Tuesday that he considers himself a “bhakt” of Mahakaal, emphasizing that he only bows before the people of the country or in front of Mahakaal.

Addressing a rally in Balaghat, PM Modi extended his heartfelt greetings of Navratri to the people of Balaghat and remarked, “The land of Balaghat is a witness to the might of India’s women power.”

“For decades post-independence, Congress clung to outdated notions, viewing India through the lens of poverty. Their focus on infrastructure was limited to a few major cities where their leaders resided, neglecting others,” PM Modi said.

He further stated that the BJP is guided by the principle of inclusive development and always prioritizes every corner of the nation.

“Our government channels substantial funds into modern infrastructure projects across cities and villages, exemplifying our commitment to progress for all,” he added.

According to the Election Commission (EC), the elections to 543 Lok Sabha seats will be conducted in seven phases, with nearly 97 crore voters eligible to cast their votes. The counting of votes has been scheduled for June 4.