PM Modi today addressed public meetings in Tamil Nadu’s Madurai and Kanyakumari. Talking about his visit to Madurai’s Meenakshi Temple, PM Modi said, “Yesterday, I had the blessed opportunity to pray at the Sri Meenakshi Temple. I will cherish those divine moments for the rest of my life.”
Lauding Madurai’s association with Tamil culture, PM Modi asserted, “Madurai is closely associated with the world's oldest language, Tamil. Here, one thinks about the Tamil Sangams. I want to appreciate all those working to make Tamil culture and literature more popular. This land had a great influence on Mahatma Gandhi.”
Invoking MGR’s contributions, the Prime Minister stated, “South Tamil Nadu and specially Madurai has a special association with MGR. Madurai Veeran… who can forget this film. We all know who was among those who lent his voice to MGR- it was T. M. Soundararajan. In 1980 Congress dismissed MGR’s democratically elected Government. Elections were called and MGR won from the Madurai West seat. The people of Madurai stood behind him like a rock. In 1977, 1980 and 1984, MGR won from Southern Tamil Nadu.”
PM Modi highlighted the developmental schemes started by the centre, he said, “We started Jal Jeevan Mission. Our aim is to ensure tap water connections to every home in India by 2024. In Tamil Nadu, more than 16 lakh tap water connections have been provided since the launch. In this year's union budget, a series of economic corridors have been announced, and one of them is the Madurai-Kollam corridor. Funds allocated for railway infra projects in TN have increased by a record 238% compared to 2009.”
“Guided by the mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, the NDA government is working to bring a positive change in the lives of 130 crore Indians. For Tamil Nadu and especially Southern Tamil Nadu, we want to focus on Infrastructure, Irrigation, Investment,” he added.
Hitting out at Congress-DMK alliance, PM Modi alleged, “DMK and Congress have no real agenda to talk about but they should control their lies because people are not foolish. Congress-DMK keep showing themselves as the only protectors of Tamil Culture, but the facts suggest something else.”
“In 2016 the Tamil Nadu Congress manifesto called for a ban on Jallikattu. Congress and DMK should be ashamed of themselves. In 2016-2017, the common people of Tamil Nadu wanted a solution and wanted Jallikattu to continue. I could sense their pain. Our Government then cleared an ordinance brought by the AIADMK Government in Tamil Nadu, which allowed Jallikattu to take place,” he said while addressing a rally in Madurai.
Attacking the opposition, The Prime Minister remarked, “Congress and DMK have mastered the art of not working & then spreading lies about those who actually work. A classic example is the issue of AIIMS Madurai. In their many many years in power, Congress and DMK did not even think about it. It was our Government that brought AIIMS here.”
Speaking about the Nari Shakti, the PM stated, “Madurai teaches us important lessons on empowering Nari Shakti. We see it in the way Meenakshi Amman is worshipped. We see it in the respect given to Kannagi Amman, Rani Mangammal, Rani Velu Nachiyar.”
In Kanyakumari, PM Modi talked about the Rameshwaram-Dhanushkodi railway line which was damaged in 1964. He said, “50 long years but no one thought about repairing the railway line of Rameshwaram-Dhanushkodi. It was our Government that started work on creating a new railway line. Same for the Pamban Rail Bridge. Previous Govts ignored it. We focussed on reconstructing it.”
Continuing his tirade against Congress, the PM alleged, “In Central Delhi, very valuable real estate has been given for memorials of one dynasty only. What did we do? We created a memorial for beloved Doctor Kalam in Tamil Nadu. I personally went for it’s inauguration.”
He insinuated that in Tamil Nadu, the situation is such that senior DMK leaders, who worked shoulder to shoulder with Kalaignar are feeling suffocated due to the newly minted Crown Prince of the party. He also slammed the opposition for Dynasty politics, said, “While our focus is development, the opposition has reduced itself to a dynasty club. All they want is to secure the position of their own children and grandchildren. They are not bothered about your sons and daughter.”
“Our Government does not see people’s caste, creed or faith before serving them. Ours is a Government for everyone. Father Alexis Prem Kumar belongs to Tamil Nadu. But, his desire to serve others took him to Afghanistan. For 18 long months, terrorists made him a hostage. His own family had given up on him. But, our Government did not. He came back safely home. In the same way, Father Tom returned safe and sound from Yemen,” PM Modi shared these rescue operations while speaking at the rally in Kanyakumari.
Talking about three pillars for coastal development, PM Modi asserted, “First is- Increasing Opportunities through port led development and modern infrastructure. Second- we are increasing Incomes through major push to blue economy. New fishing harbours, fish landing centres are coming up. Third pillar is - increasing Connectivity through better roads and inland waterways.”
Pm Modi thanked people of Tamil Nadu for attending the public meeting and urged voters to turn out in record numbers to vote for the NDA in upcoming elections.
Yesterday, I had the blessed opportunity to pray at the Sri Meenakshi Temple.
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 2, 2021
I will cherish those divine moments for the rest of my life: PM @narendramodi
Madurai is a main centre of the glorious Tamil culture.
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 2, 2021
This land is closely associated with the world’s oldest language, Tamil.
In Madurai, one thinks about the Tamil Sangams.
Tamil literature is full of wisdom and depth: PM @narendramodi
There is also a large Telugu community here since many years.
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 2, 2021
The way Madurai has accepted them is a perfect example of ‘Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat’: PM @narendramodi
The people of this region have a strong mind and a big heart.
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 2, 2021
Centuries ago, many people from Saurashtra in my home state of Gujarat came here: PM @narendramodi
In 1980 Congress dismissed MGR’s democratically elected Government.
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 2, 2021
Elections were called and MGR won from the Madurai West seat. The people of Madurai stood behind him like a rock.
In 1977, 1980 and 1984, MGR won from Southern Tamil Nadu: PM @narendramodi
South Tamil Nadu and specially Madurai has a special association with MGR.
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 2, 2021
Madurai Veeran…who can forget this film.
We all know who was among those who lent his voice to MGR- it was T. M. Soundararajan: PM @narendramodi
For Tamil Nadu and especially southern Tamil Nadu, we want to focus on three pillars:
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 2, 2021
Infrastructure
Irrigation
Investment: PM @narendramodi
The NDA Government is also ramping up the digital infrastructure across India.
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 2, 2021
Work is underway to provide high-speed broadband to every village of India: PM @narendramodi
We started Jal Jeevan Mission. Our aim is to ensure tap water connections to every home in India by 2024.
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 2, 2021
In Tamil Nadu, more than 16 lakh tap water connections have been provided since the launch: PM @narendramodi
A vote for NDA is a vote for better investment in this region.
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 2, 2021
We are creating the right atmosphere for more industries to come here, specially agro-industries which help our farmers in value addition.
Food processing is another focus area for us: PM @narendramodi
We want the youngsters of Tamil Nadu to be job creators.
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 2, 2021
India is undertaking many reforms that make business easier.
We are supporting new start-ups as well.
Regulatory framework is being liberalised.
Arbitrary harassment on tax issues has reduced: PM @narendramodi
I would like to talk about the textiles sector in particular.
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 2, 2021
Our Government is ensuring more credit and modern machinery for this sector.
A Mega Investment Textiles Park scheme (Mitra) has been announced in this year's Budget.
7 textile parks will come up in three years: PM
I understand that DMK and Congress have no real agenda to talk about.
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 2, 2021
But, they should control their lies. Because, people are not foolish: PM @narendramodi
One UPA leader described Jallikattu as a barbaric practice.
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 2, 2021
Really?
Is that the word you use for something that is a part of Tamil culture for centuries - barbaric practice?: PM @narendramodi
Congress & DMK keep portraying themselves to be the sole protectors of Tamil culture.
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 2, 2021
But, the facts suggest something else.
Let me take you back to the year 2011.
UPA was in power in Delhi.
DMK had big ministries in the Centre.
The same UPA Government banned Jallikattu: PM
I could sense their pain.
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 2, 2021
Our Government then cleared an ordinance brought by the AIADMK Government in Tamil Nadu, which allowed Jallikattu to take place: PM @narendramodi
In 2016 the Tamil Nadu Congress manifesto called for a ban on Jallikattu.
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 2, 2021
Congress and DMK should be ashamed of themselves.
In 2016-2017, the common people of Tamil Nadu wanted a solution and wanted Jallikattu to continue: PM @narendramodi
Congress and DMK have mastered the art of not working & then spreading lies about those who actually work.
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 2, 2021
A classic example is the issue of AIIMS Madurai. In their many many years in power, Congress & DMK did not even think about it.
It was our Govt that brought AIIMS here: PM
It was the AIADMK Government in Tamil Nadu and the BJP-led Government at the centre that worked together to ensure dignity for the Devendrakula Vellalar community: PM @narendramodi
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 2, 2021
One more example of the ‘all lies, no work’ attitude of Congress and DMK is the issue relating to the Devendrakullar Vellalar community.
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 2, 2021
They preferred to keep the issue hanging for several long decades: PM @narendramodi
DMK and Congress will not guarantee either safety or dignity for you.
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 2, 2021
The law and order situation will suffer under them.
DMK tried to make peace loving Madurai a Mafia Den just because of internal family complications in DMK First Family: PM @narendramodi
Madurai teaches us important lessons on empowering Nari Shakti.
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 2, 2021
We see it in the way Meenakshi Amman is worshipped.
We see it in the respect given to Kannagi Amman, Rani Mangammal, Rani Velu Nachiyar: PM @narendramodi
Our efforts in the Swachh Bharat Mission, Ujjwala Yojana, and other such schemes are aimed at empowering women.
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 2, 2021
Sadly, the DMK and Congress have not understood this ethos of Madurai. No wonder their leaders keep insulting women again and again: PM @narendramodi
When we come to you seeking your blessings, we come with a strong track record of pro-people, pro-active good governance.
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 2, 2021
We have fixed long pending issues and found out of the box solutions to pressing problems: PM @narendramodi
The Rameshwaram-Dhanushkodi railway line was damaged in 1964!
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 2, 2021
50 long years but no one thought about repairing it.
It was our Govt that started work on creating a new railway line.
Same for the Pamban Rail Bridge. Previous Govts ignored it. We focussed on reconstructing it: PM
While our focus is development, the Opposition has reduced itself to a Dynasty Club.
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 2, 2021
All they want is - secure the position of their own children and grandchildren.
They are not bothered about your sons and daughters: PM @narendramodi
In Central Delhi, very valuable real estate has been given for memorials of one dynasty only.
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 2, 2021
What did we do?
We created a memorial for beloved Doctor Kalam in Tamil Nadu.
I personally went for it’s inauguration: PM @narendramodi
We believe the sweat of every Indian makes the nation.
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 2, 2021
Not four generations of one or two dynasties: PM @narendramodi
In Tamil Nadu, the situation is such that senior DMK leaders, who worked shoulder to shoulder with Kalaignar are feeling suffocated due to the newly minted Crown Prince of the party.
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 2, 2021
Politics does not work this way: PM @narendramodi
Today, the mood of the nation is clearly against politics of nepotism and entitlement: PM @narendramodi
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 2, 2021
Having Congress in any coalition is having a high-handed ally who does not understand local sensibilities: PM @narendramodi
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 2, 2021
The Opposition loves calling people anti-democratic.
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 2, 2021
But, they should see the nearest mirror.
Congress has imposed Article 356 several times.
Both DMK and AIADMK governments have been dismissed by Congress: PM @narendramodi
In the same way, Father Tom returned safe and sound from Yemen.
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 2, 2021
Let those who believe in conflict further it.
We believe in compassion. And, we will always serve the people with that spirit: PM @narendramodi
Father Alexis Prem Kumar belongs to Tamil Nadu. But, his desire to serve others took him to Afghanistan.
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 2, 2021
For 18 long months, terrorists made him a hostage.
His own family had given up on him. But, our Government did not.
He came back safely home: PM @narendramodi
Our Government does not see people’s caste, creed or faith before serving them.
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 2, 2021
Ours is a Government for everyone: PM @narendramodi
While bringing them back, we never saw what is their caste, what Holy Book they read, what do they do.
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 2, 2021
They are the people of India and we stand ready to help them: PM @narendramodi
Last year, when COVID-19 global pandemic came, several fellow Indians were stuck abroad.
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 2, 2021
The Government of India started the Vande Bharat Mission.
People stranded in several nations came back home.
About 5 lakh sisters and brothers from Tamil Nadu returned: PM @narendramodi
We are sensitive to the demands of our farmers.
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 2, 2021
That is why we are modernising the agriculture sector to ensure more credit and better markets.
The MSP for copra during our tenure is higher than what was being given under the UPA: PM @narendramodi
In Kanyakumari today, I want to talk about three aspects of our development vision.
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 2, 2021
They are:
Prosperous farms.
Bustling factories.
Vibrant fisheries: PM @narendramodi
Our model for coastal development has 3 pillars:
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 2, 2021
First is- Increasing Opportunities through port led development and modern infrastructure: PM @narendramodi
Second- we are increasing Incomes through major push to blue economy.
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 2, 2021
New fishing harbours, fish landing centres are coming up.
A fishing harbour will come up in Chennai.
Fishermen are getting better boats, navigation material and credit: PM @narendramodi
DMK-supported UPA left the fishermen to their own fate.
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 2, 2021
I assure the fishermen that their safety is NDA’s priority.
Just a few days ago, we ensured the release of fishermen from Sri Lanka: PM @narendramodi
Third pillar is - increasing Connectivity through better roads and inland waterways.
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 2, 2021
Very often connectivity from ports was an obstacle to economic growth for fishermen.
We are solving this problem by connecting our ports to the hinterlands and expanding waterway networks: PM
