'Clear the muck and let the lotus bloom'

The Union minister of housing, urban development and poverty alleviation Venkaiah Naidu played the Modi card when he addressed a gathering on Raja Street here on Saturday evening. He stressed on the BJP's manifesto of providing basic necessities and stated that the two Dravidian parties, Congress and the Left have "ruined" the country.

He said the BJP 's focus was on basic infrastructure and establishing a corruption-free government. "Modi is a terror to all corrupt fellows in the country. He works day and night for the poor and has many new ideas. His ideas include Make in India, Digital India, Start-up India, Stand-up India and Clean India," he said. "Modi wants to develop and strengthen the country. He has begun sorting out the revenue deficit, current account deficit and trust deficit that we inherited from the Congress government," he added.

Lacing his speech with his trademark wit and humour, the minister first took a dig at Dravidian parties offering freebies. "The AIADMK and DMK have ruled the state in rotation and actually ruined it. Now they are offering freebies. While we are not against this, I don't think this is the solution," he said. "There should be potable water and toilets in every household, pakka roads in every village, schools with teachers and hospitals with doctors," he said.

Referring to the sensitive issue of electricity, he said, "Where is the point in offering free power when there is no power?"

He said the two Dravidian parties, Congress and communist parties filled Tamil Nadu with a lot of muck. He said it was up to the people to clear and clean all the muck to allow the lotus to bloom.

Students, teachers and parents celebrate Checkpoint milestone at Spectrum Northern Lights School, Coimbatore

Spectrum Northern Lights School in Coimbatore celebrated its Primary Checkpoint Examination results, recognising student...

Union MoS Muralidhar Mohol reviews Coimbatore Airport expansion works

Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Muralidhar Mohol held discussions with airport officials at Coimbatore Airpor...

Dr S Rajasekaran receives Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar Vaidyak-Ratna Award

Ganga Hospital Chairman Dr S Rajasekaran was honoured as the first recipient of the Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar Vaidyak...

Union Budget 2026 lays roadmap for manufacturing, MSMEs and skills: CII Southern Region

CII Southern Region said Union Budget 2026–27 provides policy support for manufacturing, MSMEs, agriculture and skills,...

1054 Park Group students set world record in e-waste awareness drive

A total of 1054 students from Park Group of Institutions created a world record in Coimbatore by identifying and categor...

From kolams to Silambam: Harvest Fiesta lights up VIBGYOR High, Coimbatore

VIBGYOR High Coimbatore celebrated Harvest Fiesta 2026 with a vibrant Pongal event featuring traditional décor, cultural...