Chennai: Tamil Nadu BJP President Nainar Nagendran said on Saturday that there is “nothing wrong” in adopting an Ayodhya-like governance and development model in the state, and added that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) should come to power to fulfill such a vision.
He was speaking to reporters in Chennai on the occasion of B.R. Ambedkar’s death anniversary.
Nagenthran said the party has pledged to ensure the NDA alliance’s victory in the upcoming elections on Ambedkar Memorial Day. He said, “Ayodhya is part of India. There is nothing wrong in Tamil Nadu adopting the Ayodhya model.” “We have all heard about Ram Rajya—a just and prosperous governance. The NDA represents that governance. It should flourish.”
Referring to the ongoing controversy over lighting the Karthigai Deepam lamp on the Thiruparankundram hill, Nagendran said the BJP will continue with traditional methods. He said that a dargah located near the hilltop had not objected to the lamp-lighting ritual.
He clarified, “The judge’s order clearly states that people can only go there to light lamps and not enter the dargah area. The people present at the dargah also did not object to the order.”
Nagenthran also criticized DMK leaders, especially Kanimozhi and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. He said, “What’s Kanimozhi’s problem? Udhayanidhi says democracy will end. I believe he is in the early stages of developing such a harmful ideology. His dream will never come true.” He further said that no one can destroy Sanatana Dharma.
Pointing to the state government’s development claims, the BJP leader questioned the DMK’s work. He asked, “Did they include the Madurai and Coimbatore metro projects in the 2021 grant request? Did they build an airport in Thoothukudi for ₹350 crore? Flights from Madurai to Colombo and Singapore are already operating. What development are they talking about?” Nagentharan claimed that the NDA is gaining strength in Tamil Nadu and that several parties are expected to join the alliance. He said, “One day is enough to strengthen the alliance. The DMK talks about 100 days of rule, but the people will decide. The NDA will definitely form the government.”
Nagenthran’s remarks indicate a renewed effort by the BJP to view the political contest ahead of the state assembly elections from an ideological as well as a development perspective.
