BackPOLITICS
Rajnath Singh vows BJP-led NDA push on women’s reservation and festival subsidies in Tamil Nadu rallies
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attacked DMK and Congress over blocking women's reservation legislation, and outlined BJP's promises in Tamil Nadu, including festival subsidies and free gas cylinders for women. He also asserted defence corridors in two states and urged support for BJP in the upcoming April 23 elections, speaking at rallies in Thiruparankundram and Radhapuram.
Why It Matters
The remarks illustrate BJP's campaign messaging in Tamil Nadu ahead of a state election, highlighting policy positions on women's reservation, religious/cultural issues, and economic subsidies, as well as defense infrastructure claims.
Timeline
4 Events
Election reminder: April 23 polls and BJP candidate
April 20, 2026
The article notes Singh urged voters to support BJP candidate Anandhan Ayyasamy in the upcoming April 23 Tamil Nadu elections.
Women empowerment promises: subsidies and free gas cylinders for festivals
April 19, 2026
Singh announced that to empower women, a subsidy would be provided and during Pongal, Deepavali, and Tamil New Year’s Day festivals, three gas cylinders would be provided free of charge to people in Tamil Nadu.
Radhanapuram rally: defence corridors in UP and Tamil Nadu highlighted
April 19, 2026
At a later rally in Radhapuram, Singh said two defence corridors have been established in only two states: one in Uttar Pradesh and the other in Tamil Nadu, asserting there are only two such corridors in the country.
Rajnath Singh attacks DMK-C Congress on women's reservation; pledges Deepam restart if BJP wins
April 19, 2026
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh criticised the DMK and Congress for not allowing legislation on women's reservation to pass in Parliament. He described DMK with Tamil acronyms: 'D' for Dushprayogam (misuse of power), 'M' for Muraikedu (corruption), and 'K' for Kutram (crime against women). He appealed to voters to support BJP candidate Anandhan Ayyasamy in the April 23 elections and said the Karthigai Deepam lighting atop the Thiruparankundram hill would restart if BJP forms the government. He asserted that anyone attempting to eliminate Sanatan Dharma would fall from public sight, claimed police had blocked devotees from lighting the Deepam, and pledged that a BJP-led NDA government would resume the Thirupparankundram Deepam lighting.