Madurai: Union Home Minister Amit Shah today expressed strong confidence that the BJP-led NDA alliance is poised to form the next government in Tamil Nadu in the 2026 state Assembly elections, mirroring the electoral success achieved in Delhi. During high stakes visit to Madurai, where he sought blessings at the revered Devi Meenakshi temple and engaged with party functionaries, Shah launched a scathing attack on the ruling DMK, labeling its government as “corrupt, dynastic,” and a “100 percent failure.”
Shah’s visit, his second to Tamil Nadu within a short span, is clearly aimed at galvanising the BJP’s machinery and strategizing ahead of the crucial 2026 state polls. His forceful remarks come just a week after the DMK’s general council meeting in Madurai, which saw the state’s ruling party heavily criticize the BJP and the Central government. The political atmosphere in Tamil Nadu is currently charged, marked by alleged internal feuds within key alliance partners, including a reported control struggle between PMK founder Dr. S. Ramadoss and his son Anbumani Ramadoss, and the DMDK’s apparent resentment over the AIADMK not allocating a Rajya Sabha seat as per earlier agreements. Notably, political commentator and Thuglak editor S. Gurumurthy reportedly met with S. Ramadoss in Chennai, alongside AIADMK leader Saidai Duraiswamy, in an alleged attempt to broker a truce in the father-son dispute.
Upon his arrival in Madurai earlier today, Amit Shah immediately plunged into a series of crucial closed-door meetings. His engagements commenced with a 30-minute discussion with Union Minister L. Murugan, followed by a brief interaction with BJP State Organization Secretary Keshava Vinayagam. Subsequently, Shah summoned both the incumbent Tamil Nadu BJP State President Nainar Nagendran and former state chief K. Annamalai to the GRD Hotel, where he was staying. Both leaders, arriving from separate locations, promptly rushed to meet the Union Home Minister.
The atmosphere at the venue reportedly surged with excitement as K Annamalai entered. Despite having stepped down from the state president post in April to make way for Nagendran, cadres greeted him with immeasurable joy, erupting in a prolonged standing ovation and enthusiastic slogans hailing Annamalai that echoed through the venue. The spontaneous and sustained cheers reportedly caught Amit Shah and other state leaders by surprise, who watched the display with “raised eyebrows and awe,” underscoring Annamalai’s continued popularity among the party’s grassroots.
Taking to his social media platform, Amit Shah later reiterated his confidence in the BJP’s prospects, stating, “From Madurai, which has witnessed many transformations, I proclaim that this Karyakarta Sammelan is going to be the reason behind the downfall of the DMK govt.”
From Madurai, which has witnessed many transformations, I proclaim that this Karyakarta Sammelan is going to be the reason behind the downfall of the DMK govt: Shri @AmitShahhttps://t.co/o24AmKP9iB
— Office of Amit Shah (@AmitShahOffice) June 8, 2025
In another significant post, the BJP’s official handle shared a video of Shah’s address where he drew a sharp contrast between past responses to terrorism and the Modi government’s decisive actions. “In Pahalgam, terrorists brutally targeted and killed innocent civilians after identifying them by their religion. Under the decisive leadership of Prime Minister Modi, our armed forces successfully neutralized these terrorists on their home turf. In the past, several major terrorist attacks occurred, but no significant action was taken against the perpetrators. However, after PM Modi assumed office, India began delivering strong and effective responses to terrorism through various military operations like Operation Sindoor,” Shah asserted.
In Pahalgam, terrorists brutally targeted and killed innocent civilians after identifying them by their religion. Under the decisive leadership of Prime Minister Modi, our armed forces successfully neutralized these terrorists on their home turf. In the past, several major… pic.twitter.com/PnWgEIoVAJ
— BJP (@BJP4India) June 8, 2025
Further emphasizing the nation’s strides in defense, another post from the BJP’s official handle quoted Shah: “Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India is steadily progressing towards self-reliance in defence production. The nation’s youth take immense pride in discussing the Kaveri engine, a symbol of indigenous innovation and self-sufficiency. India’s domestically developed missiles have successfully dismantled Pakistan’s air defence systems and air force bases, showcasing the strength of homegrown technology. Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi has firmly emphasized that Operation Sindoor is far from complete.”
Under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, India is steadily progressing towards self-reliance in defence production.
The nation's youth take immense pride in discussing the Kaveri engine, a symbol of indigenous innovation and self-sufficiency.
India’s domestically developed… pic.twitter.com/oP1a2fkrrq
— BJP (@BJP4India) June 8, 2025
During the closed-door meeting that included Shah, L. Murugan, Annamalai, and Nagendran, the Union Minister reportedly conveyed serious concerns over internal resistance within the state unit. Sources privy to the meeting revealed that Shah highlighted how certain BJP members have been working against the AIADMK-BJP alliance. He delivered a stern warning, cautioning that any activities undermining coalition partners, particularly the AIADMK, would “not augur well for the alliance.” Shah reportedly stated that “any further attempts to sabotage the alliance or undermine the state leadership would invite severe consequences.” Furthermore, during this 30-minute discussion, Shah is said to have presented evidence pointing to a “lack of organisational momentum” since Nagendran assumed the state leadership.
Adding to the BJP’s criticism of the state government, former state chief K. Annamalai stated that the people of Tamil Nadu were experiencing “sleepless nights” due to unhappiness and a perceived lack of safety. He characterized the state as being in an “anarchy nature,” citing worsening law and order, rising crimes against women and children, a growing drug menace, and an increase in murders as major concerns for the populace.
"தமிழக மக்கள் நிம்மதியாக இல்லை..தமிழ்நாட்டில் எங்கும், எப்போதும், யாருக்கும் பாதுகாப்பு இல்லை" – பாஜக முன்னாள் மாநில தலைவர் அண்ணாமலை#Annamalai | #Amitshah | #Nainarnagendran | #Madurai pic.twitter.com/MK9Rdjlg4S
— PttvOnlinenews (@PttvNewsX) June 8, 2025
Earlier in the day, en route to the Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple, Amit Shah was felicitated by the Madurai Adheenam, who garlanded him and presented him with books.
மதுரை ஆதீனம் கொடுத்த பரிசு..! நெகிழ்ந்து போன அமித்ஷா..!#TamilJanam #AmitShah #madurai #bjp #TamilNadu #MeenakshiAmmanTemple #Police #TamilJanam #AmitShah #madurai #bjp #TamilNadu #MeenakshiAmmanTemple #maduraiadheenam pic.twitter.com/dtq69hbhuG
— Tamil Janam (@TamilJanamNews) June 8, 2025
It is noteworthy that media personnel were not permitted to cover the meeting proceedings, with only photographers and videographers allowed to capture initial shots before the discussions commenced.
