Union Minister L Murugan on Sunday said the BJP-AIADMK alliance remains strong and is poised to win the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Speaking at his Koyambedu office, Murugan claimed several DMK leaders were in touch and could join the BJP in the coming months.

Responding to Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s criticism of the alliance, he highlighted AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami’s state-wide “Makkalai Kaappom, Tamizhagathai Meetpom” yatra, which he said generated strong public support with BJP participation.

On infrastructure, Murugan said Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw approved 38 new train stoppages in Tamil Nadu starting August 18. He added that ₹6,626 crore has been allocated for the state’s railway projects this fiscal, compared with ₹879 crore in 2013-14. He also mentioned upgrades to 77 stations, construction of 2,587 km of new tracks, and airport expansions in Chennai, Tiruchi, Thoothukudi, and Coimbatore.

Murugan dismissed claims that Tamil was ignored in central exams, noting its inclusion in UPSC, CRPF, and railway recruitment tests. He also announced that Union Home Minister Amit Shah will address the BJP booth committee zonal conference in Tirunelveli on August 22.

Regarding Enforcement Directorate raids on DMK Minister I. Periyasamy’s premises, Murugan said the ED acted independently based on inputs. He made a similar remark about the Election Commission of India.

He criticized Governor R.N. Ravi’s comments on school education, urging the state to focus on infrastructure gaps instead of renaming schools. He also slammed VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan, saying the party has ignored Dalit issues under DMK rule and prioritized electoral gains over community welfare.