Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday highlighted the cultural bond between Tamil Nadu and Varanasi during an election rally in Maduranthakam, asserting that Tamil language and heritage are gaining recognition beyond the state’s borders. Referring to his parliamentary constituency in Uttar Pradesh, Modi said that Kashi now speaks Tamil too, symbolising a growing cultural bridge between the north and the south of the country.
Addressing party supporters, the Prime Minister said the National Democratic Alliance government has made sustained efforts to promote Tamil culture at the national level. He cited initiatives such as the Kashi Tamil Sangamam, which aims to celebrate and strengthen historical and cultural ties between Tamil Nadu and Varanasi. According to Modi, these initiatives reflect the Centre’s commitment to showcasing India’s linguistic and cultural diversity.
The Prime Minister also referred to his efforts to introduce Tamil literature to global audiences. He said he had gifted copies of the Thirukkural, a classical Tamil text consisting of 1,330 couplets on ethics, governance, and daily life, to several world leaders. He described the Thirukkural as a timeless work that reflects India’s ancient wisdom and values.
Modi further highlighted the establishment of the Bharathiar Chair at Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi as another step toward promoting Tamil language and literary traditions. The chair is dedicated to the study and dissemination of the works of Subramania Bharati, a renowned Tamil poet and freedom fighter. According to the Prime Minister, such academic initiatives help preserve and spread Tamil intellectual heritage across the country.
During his speech, Modi also launched a sharp attack on the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government in Tamil Nadu. He accused the state government of failing to deliver on its election promises and alleged that corruption had affected governance. The Prime Minister said development and good governance were being hindered and urged voters to support the BJP-led alliance as a credible alternative.
Political observers note that the Prime Minister’s remarks reflect the BJP’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence in Tamil Nadu by combining cultural outreach with political criticism of the incumbent government. By emphasising respect for Tamil language and traditions, the party aims to connect with regional pride while positioning itself as a national platform that celebrates diversity.
As the election campaign intensifies, the Prime Minister’s repeated references to Tamil culture, literature, and history underline the BJP’s attempt to expand its appeal in the southern state. The rally in Maduranthakam is part of a series of engagements aimed at mobilising support and shaping the political narrative ahead of the polls.
