PM Modi likely to celebrate Pongal with farmers during January Tamil Nadu visit
Proposed three-day visit from January 13–15 seen as major rural and cultural outreach ahead of 2026 Assembly elections; NDA alliance talks expected to gain momentum.
Tamil Nadu, Dec 14 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to undertake a three day visit to Tamil Nadu from January 13 to 15, during which he is expected to participate in Pongal celebrations alongside farmers, state BJP sources said.
The proposed visit, planned around the harvest festival, is being viewed within the party as a key outreach initiative aimed at rural voters and cultural consolidation in the run up to the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders said it would mark the first time the Prime Minister is expected to join farmers in the state for traditional Pongal celebrations.
Party sources said the outreach is intended to strengthen the BJP’s engagement with agrarian communities while underscoring its emphasis on Tamil culture and identity.
According to the tentative itinerary, the Prime Minister is expected to attend the closing ceremony of Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 at Rameswaram, an initiative aimed at reinforcing civilisational and cultural links between Tamil Nadu and Kashi. He is also likely to participate in the concluding event of ‘Thamizhagam Thalai Nimira Thamizhanin Payanam’, a statewide outreach programme led by BJP Tamil Nadu president Nainar Nagenthran, scheduled to be held in Pudukkottai.
“With Assembly elections approaching, the Prime Minister’s participation in Pongal celebrations with farmers will send a strong political and cultural message,” a senior BJP leader said.
The visit is also expected to highlight the party’s focus on agrarian issues while reinforcing its efforts to connect with Tamil traditions and sentiments.
Sources said the proposed visit may coincide with significant developments on the alliance front, with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Tamil Nadu expected to take concrete shape before Pongal. Several regional parties are likely to formally join the coalition, and the Prime Minister is expected to hold meetings with NDA leaders to finalise electoral strategy and coordination.
The BJP is currently engaged in talks with multiple parties, including the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) and expelled AIADMK leader O. Panneerselvam. Party insiders said efforts are underway to conclude alliance negotiations ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit.
Sources also claimed that V.K. Sasikala, a close aide of former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, is in discussions with the NDA. While she remains barred from contesting elections, insiders said she is expected to work towards strengthening the alliance.
Meanwhile, BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran is in Delhi for consultations with the central leadership as preparations intensify for the Prime Minister’s proposed visit and the finalisation of alliance and organisational matters in Tamil Nadu.
