In a sharp critique during a public address in Madurai, Congress MP Manickam Tagore took aim at the NDA alliance, declaring that Tamil Nadu’s so-called ‘double engine’ government has completely broken down. Speaking on Saturday, Tagore dismissed the NDA’s narrative of powerful engines driving development, stating that no one can operate a vehicle with failed engines, whether double or triple.
Tagore asserted that the NDA coalition in Tamil Nadu, propped up by central agencies like the CBI and ED, has zero impact on the ground. He was responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent remarks criticizing the DMK government over the Kartigai Deepam festival controversy in Tiruparankundram. The PM had accused the MK Stalin-led administration of disrespecting Lord Murugan and even the courts.
Calling the PM’s comments unfortunate, Tagore highlighted the sensitivity of the Tiruparankundram issue for Tamil Nadu’s people. He accused RSS and certain Hindu groups of stirring religious tensions, noting the matter is sub-judice in the Supreme Court. ‘The Prime Minister should not have commented on a pending court case,’ he emphasized.
Shifting focus to national issues, Tagore backed Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s social media post on the textile industry’s crisis. Gandhi had lambasted the government’s inaction amid US tariff hikes crippling exports, leading to job losses, factory closures, and dwindling orders. With over 4.5 crore jobs at stake, Gandhi urged the PM to address the ‘dead economy’ reality.
Tagore praised Gandhi for consistently championing public concerns, from economic woes to cultural sensitivities. As Tamil Nadu gears up for political battles, such exchanges underscore deepening rifts between national alliances and regional powers. The Congress MP’s words signal a robust opposition strategy ahead of key elections.