PM Modi Announces Grand Statues Of Chola Emperors In Tamil Nadu, Taps Into Spiritual Legacy Ahead Of State Polls

Chennai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced that his government would install grand statues of Chola-era emperors Raja Raja Chola and his son Rajendra Chola I in Tamil Nadu. “The legacy of Rajaraja Chola and Rajendra Chola is synonymous with India’s identity and pride. The history and heritage of the Chola Empire proclaim the true potential of India,” he declared at the millennial commemoration of the Gangetic expedition undertaken by Rajendra Chola in 1025 CE.

Releasing a commemorative coin for Rajendra Chola at Gangaikonda Cholapuram the erstwhile capital of the Cholas for 250 years Modi used the occasion to subtly send out political messages aimed at spiritually inclined voters in the Dravidian state, which goes to polls in less than eight months. The BJP, in alliance with the AIADMK, has for the first time openly declared its intention to share power in a state that has historically rejected the party and favoured single-party rule.

To underline the party’s reverence for Tamil Nadu’s spiritual traditions, Modi invited heads of Saivite Mutts all non-Brahmins to the event, signalling that the BJP honours the spiritual legacy of the Cholas, during whose reign the Bhakti movement had flourished. This is the second time Modi has attempted to counter the popular perception of the BJP as a Brahmin-centric party in Tamil Nadu. The first was during the inauguration of the new Parliament building two years ago, when Modi installed the ‘Sengol’ and invited the same Saivite heads. The BJP has since claimed that the Sengol symbolised the transfer of power from the British to India in 1947 a claim not supported by historical records.

The Prime Minister hailed the Chola era, stating that the heights reached by its emperors continue to inspire modern India. “The economic and strategic advancements achieved during the Chola era remain a source of inspiration for modern India. To become a developed nation, we too must prioritise unity, strengthen our Navy and Defence forces, and look for new opportunities even while safeguarding our core values,” he said.

Noting that the Chola kings had extended diplomatic and trade relations to Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Southeast Asia, Modi said present-day India also places the highest priority on national security. He cited ‘Operation Sindoor’ as an example of the country’s firm and decisive response to any threat to its sovereignty.

“The Chola rulers had woven a thread of cultural unity. Our government is carrying forward their ideals. We conducted the Kashi Tamil Sangamam and the Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam to reinforce centuries-old bonds of unity. Over the past decade, the country has worked in mission mode to preserve its cultural legacy. About 600 ancient statues and artefacts that were stolen and sold abroad have been brought back to India since 2014 36 of them belonged to Tamil Nadu,” he said.

Music maestro and Rajya Sabha-nominated MP Ilaiyaraaja also performed at the event, which Modi listened to intently. The Prime Minister received a warm welcome from BJP and AIADMK supporters en route to the venue.