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Amit Shah Celebrates Modi Pongal in TN, Visits Temples Ahead of 2026 Polls

Union Home Minister Amit Shah participated in the Tamil Nadu BJP's 'Modi Pongal' celebrations in Tiruchirappalli, blending cultural tradition with political messaging. The event featured over 2,000 participants and a symbolic Pongal preparation with 1,008 pots. Earlier, Shah offered prayers at the revered Jambukeswarar and Ranganathaswamy temples, engaging with devotees. The high-profile visit, accompanied by several Union Ministers, is seen as part of the BJP's campaign to strengthen its base in Tamil Nadu ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

Key Points: Amit Shah at BJP's Modi Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Temple Visits

  • Cultural-political outreach in Tamil Nadu
  • Over 2,000 participants at event
  • Visits to Jambukeswarar and Ranganathaswamy temples
  • High-level BJP delegation in attendance
  • Part of BJP's 2026 Assembly election strategy
2 min read

HM Shah attends TN BJP's 'Modi Pongal' celebration in Tiruchi, offers prayer at major temples

Union Home Minister Amit Shah participates in Tamil Nadu BJP's Modi Pongal festival in Tiruchirappalli, offers prayers at major temples, with an eye on 2026 elections.

"Namma Ooru Modi Pongal Vizha - Event Slogan"

Chennai, Jan 5

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on Monday, participated in the Tamil Nadu unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party's 'Modi Pongal' celebrations held in Tiruchirappalli, marking the harvest festival with traditional fervour and strong political messaging ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

Union Home Minister Shah arrived at the venue in Mannarpuram, where he was accorded a warm and ceremonial reception by the BJP leaders and party cadres.

Organisers said the event drew more than 2,000 participants, with women performing Pongal rituals in as many as 1,008 earthen pots as part of a coordinated cultural programme.

The celebrations were held under the slogan "Namma Ooru Modi Pongal Vizha", reflecting the party's effort to associate Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Tamil cultural traditions.

Dressed in a traditional white dhoti and shirt, Union Home Minister Shah took to the stage as thousands of BJP workers gathered below, participating in the symbolic preparation and offering of Pongal.

Party leaders said the programme was intended to highlight the BJP's outreach to grassroots communities and its emphasis on blending governance with cultural identity in Tamil Nadu.

Earlier on Monday, the Union Home Minister undertook temple visits in Tiruchirappalli district.

He offered prayers at the Jambukeswarar Temple and later visited the Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the most revered Vaishnavite shrines in South India.

During the temple visits, Union Home Minister Shah greeted devotees who had gathered in large numbers, shaking hands and exchanging brief words with members of the public.

Several Union Ministers accompanied Union Minister Shah during his visit, including Piyush Goyal, Arjun Ram Meghwal, Muralidhar Mohol, and L. Murugan.

Senior BJP functionaries from Tamil Nadu were also present.

Given the high-profile nature of the visit, extensive police security arrangements were put in place across Tiruchirappalli, particularly around temple premises and the Modi Pongal venue.

Authorities said the programme was held peacefully, with traffic diversions and crowd-control measures ensuring smooth conduct of the events.

The BJP views the Modi Pongal celebration as part of its broader campaign to strengthen its organisational base in Tamil Nadu by combining cultural outreach with political mobilisation.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
Good to see HM Shah visiting our ancient temples in Trichy. The Jambukeswarar and Ranganathaswamy temples are architectural and spiritual marvels. Hope such visits bring more focus on preserving our heritage sites across India.
K
Karthik V
While participation in festivals is welcome, it's hard to ignore the political timing with 2026 elections in sight. "Modi Pongal" feels like a branding exercise. I wish the focus was more on substantial issues facing Tamil Nadu farmers rather than symbolic events.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has visited Tamil Nadu, the cultural richness is incredible. It's positive to see national leaders engaging with local traditions. Blending governance with cultural identity is a complex but interesting approach.
M
Manish T
The scale of the event with 2000+ participants shows a strong grassroots connect. BJP's south India outreach seems to be gaining momentum. Dhoti-clad leaders always resonate well with the common people.
A
Anjali F
Pongal is about thanking nature and the farmers. I hope the political messaging doesn't overshadow the festival's true essence of gratitude and community. Nevertheless, more visibility for our Tamil culture on a national platform is appreciated.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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