Amit Shah in Chennai Updates: We will continue our alliance with BJP, says Tamil Nadu Deputy CM – Times Now

New Delhi: After a gap of over a year, Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Chennai today. The Home Minister met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami and Deputy CM O. Panneerselvam. 

Shah will also address the office-bearers and core committee of the state unit besides some official engagements.

Party sources have said that the ongoing ‘Vetrivel’ yatra, measures to strengthen it and the party organisation ahead of assembly polls besides the ties with ally AIADMK would form part of the discussions.

There is an expectation that Shah might meet superstar Rajinikanth, whose decision on his political foray is eagerly awaited ahead of the assembly elections in the state due around April-May next year.

Amit Shah in Chennai UPDATES:

Shah lauds TN govt for its handling of COVID-19 pandemic

7.05 pm: Union Home Minister Amit Shah lauded the Tamil Nadu government for its effective handling of the
COVID-19 pandemic under Palaniswami-Panneerselvam leadership.

Amit Shah hits out at Congress, DMK

7.01 pm: Amit Shah hit out at the DMK and Congress and said he was ready for a debate on whether Tamil Nadu got more help in their 10-year rule or during the tenure of the AIADMK-BJP government. “Sometimes I heard DMK leaders speaking of injustice done to Tamil Nadu. DMK and Congress were at the Centre for 10 years. We are ready for a debate on whether Tamil Nadu got more help in those 10 years or during the tenure of our government,” he said.

After PM Modi came to power, competitiveness among states has increased: Amit Shah

6.58 pm: Amit Shah said that the Modi government has announced to establish defence industrial corridor projects in only two states of the country and Tamil Nadu is one of them. He further said competitiveness among states has increased after PM Modi came into power. “I am happy that Tamil Nadu has secured first place among the states in good governance this year,” he said.

We will continue our alliance with BJP, says TN Deputy CM

5.50 pm: Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister and AIADMK coordinator O Panneerselvam said that his party will continue its alliance with the BJP for state polls.

Shah, CM and his deputy pay tribute to MGR, Jayalalitha

5.10 pm: Amit Shah, CM Edappadi Palaniswami, and Deputy CM O Panneerselvam paid tribute to MGR and Jayalalitha at an event organised for the foundation laying of several development projects, in Chennai.

Shah lays foundation stone for Chennai Metro Rail Project phase-2

5.09 pm: Amit Shah virtually dedicated the new reservoir at Thervaikandigai and laid the foundation stone for phase-2 of Chennai Metro Rail Project, at an event in Chennai.

Heavy security cover in Chennai

3:00 pm: Shah was accompanied by BJP National General Secretary and party in-charge of poll-bound Tamil Nadu, CT Ravi, and Murugan, with his security detail in tow. A heavy security cover has been provided in the city following Shah’s visit

Amit Shah breaks protocol, walks on Chennai road to greet supporters

2:55 pm: Amit Shah sprang a surprise here when he virtually broke protocol to get out of his vehicle and walk on the busy GST Road outside the airport to greet supporters, minutes after he landed here for a two-day visit of the city.

Shah is slated to attend a Tamil Nadu government event later in the day, where he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for projects worth over Rs 67,000 crore, including phase II of Chennai Metro Rail.

Thank you, Chennai for this love and support: Shah

2:40 pm: “It is always great to be in Tamil Nadu. Thank you Chennai for this love and support,” said Shah in a tweet. 

Chennai turns saffron: CT Ravi

2:20 pm: “Chennai turns Saffron as the wonderful Tamil Makkal and BJP Tamil Nadu unit Karyakartas welcome Union Home Minister Sri Amit Shah with flags, flowers, traditional music and dance,” said CT Ravi in a tweet.

Ahead of Shah’s visit, MK Alagiri loyalist joins BJP

2:10 pm: Earlier today, MK Alagiri’s loyalist KP Ramalingam joined the BJP in Chennai in presence of BJP leader CT Ravi. Ramalingam has said that he had already earlier informed Alagiri about the plan and decision to join the saffron party. 

Amit Shah receives rousing welcome at Chennai airport 

2:05 pm: Shah received a rousing welcome from BJP party workers outside Chennai International Airport. He will hold a meeting with CM and Deputy CM shortly. 

Amit Shah received by CM, Deputy CM at the airport 

2:00 pm: Shah was received by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami, his deputy O Panneerselvam, senior cabinet members and BJP State President L Murugan among others, before proceeding to the city hotel where he will be put up.

Amit Shah lands in Chennai

1:55 pm: Union Home Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah arrives at Chennai He will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of various development projects in Tamil Nadu.