Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Tamil Nadu for three days from January 13 to 15, coinciding with the Pongal festival, as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) steps up preparations for the 2026 Assembly elections. According to state BJP sources, the visit is being planned as a major political and cultural outreach, with a special focus on rural voters and farmers.
If finalised, this will be the first time the Prime Minister is expected to participate directly in Pongal celebrations with farmers in Tamil Nadu. Senior BJP leaders say the move is aimed at strengthening the party’s engagement with agrarian communities while also highlighting its emphasis on Tamil culture and identity.
As per the tentative itinerary, PM Modi is likely to attend the closing ceremony of Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 in Rameswaram. The initiative seeks to reinforce civilisational and cultural ties between Tamil Nadu and Kashi. He is also expected to participate in the concluding event of “Thamizhagam Thalai Nimira Thamizhanin Payanam”, a statewide outreach programme led by BJP Tamil Nadu president Nainar Nagenthran, to be held in Pudukkottai.
Party insiders believe the Prime Minister’s presence during Pongal will send a strong symbolic message ahead of the elections, projecting the BJP as attentive to agrarian issues and local traditions. The visit is also expected to coincide with important developments on the alliance front.
Sources indicate that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Tamil Nadu may take concrete shape before Pongal, with several regional parties likely to formally join the coalition. During his stay, PM Modi is expected to hold meetings with NDA leaders to finalise electoral strategy and coordination.
The BJP is currently in talks with parties such as the PMK, DMDK, AMMK and leaders linked to the AIADMK, as it works to consolidate its position in the state ahead of the crucial 2026 polls.