BJP shifts Modi’s rally from Madurai to Chennai

Chennai: The BJP has decided to shift Prime Minister Narendra Modi's maiden National Democratic Alliance election rally for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly polls from Madurai to Chennai outskirts on January 23.

"We have identified a 60–70 acre site at Mamandur in Chengalpattu district as a potential venue. It will be finalised on Wednesday," a senior BJP leader said.


Two factors led to the change, BJP leaders said. The party's national leadership felt that it has been a long time since Modi addressed a public meeting in Chennai while Madurai has received significant political attention over the past several months. Union home minister Amit Shah had visited the city in June 2025, while state president Nainar Nagenthran launched his state-wide rally from the temple city in October. The second reason was that Prime Minister's Office and the Special Protection Group had advised that Chennai was a more suitable location from security and logistics point of view.

Following the advice, the state unit began scouting for venues on the outskirts of Chennai. Leaders of NDA constituents in Tamil Nadu, including AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss, Tamil Maanila Congress leader G K Vasan and TMMK founder B John Pandian, are expected to attend, along with senior BJP leaders.

Earlier, the NDA sought permission to hold the rally at Vandiyur in Madurai, with BJP and AIADMK leaders submitting an application to the Madurai police commissioner. There was a proposal for Modi's visit to Thiruparankundram too. After the change of venue, the Madurai police have been communicated the decision.

MEanwhile, Nainar Nagenthran and former state BJP president K Annamalai are travelling to Delhi on Tuesday night to attend Pongal celebrations at Union minister L Murugan's residence. Modi is likely to participate in the celebrations on Wednesday.