CHENNAI: Signalling an aggressive push into Tamil Nadu ahead of the Assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a multi-city tour of the State in March, combining political mobilisation with high-profile project launches and temple visits.
According to the BJP, Modi will begin his outreach in Madurai district on March 1, where he is scheduled to participate in a National Democratic Alliance (NDA) meeting near the Ring Road.
He will also inaugurate completed blocks of the Madurai AIIMS campus and flag off the Madurai–Rameswaram special train service, besides dedicating other development projects to the nation.
BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran said the Prime Minister is also likely to visit the Tiruparankundram temple and have darshan during the Madurai trip. Senior leaders M Muruganandam and Raama Sreenivasan have been tasked with overseeing arrangements for the event.
Modi is slated to visit the Vellore district on March 6 to address another NDA meeting. He is expected to offer prayers at the Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple during the visit.
Party insiders said the Prime Minister will return to the State on March 11 to attend NDA meetings in Tiruchy and Thanjavur. The tentative itinerary includes visits to the Sri Ranganatha Swamy temple in Srirangam and the Brihadeeswara temple in Thanjavur.
"Before the Prime Minister's visit, a few other parties, including DMDK and PT, are expected to join the NDA fold," a senior BJP leader told DT Next, indicating possible expansion of the alliance.
Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs L Murugan will coordinate the Prime Minister's engagements across the State.