BJP’s Tamil Nadu Ambitions Tested Without Major Allies: Will Modi Factor Prevail?

GG News Bureau
Chennai, 16th April. In Tamil Nadu’s high-stakes electoral battleground, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) finds itself navigating a challenging landscape, devoid of significant alliances, as it seeks to leverage the “Modi factor” to break through the entrenched dominance of Dravidian politics.

With 39 parliamentary seats up for grabs, the BJP is pinning its hopes on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to sway voters away from the established Dravidian parties that have long held sway in the state. Over recent months, PM Modi has intensified efforts to connect with Tamil Nadu’s populace, emphasizing Tamil history and culture through various platforms and conducting multiple rallies across the state, particularly in Chennai.

Political strategist Amitabh Tiwari highlighted PM Modi’s astute understanding of the electoral dynamics, suggesting an “undercurrent” discerned by the Prime Minister that may elude others. However, Tiwari acknowledged the formidable challenge ahead for the BJP, emphasizing the need to dent the vote share traditionally enjoyed by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) to make significant electoral inroads.

Responding graciously, DMK spokesperson Manuraj Sundaram acknowledged PM Modi’s popularity among certain segments but underscored underlying concerns regarding unequal resource allocation from Delhi and apprehensions over the delimitation exercise, which could diminish southern states’ parliamentary representation.

Meanwhile, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), critical of PM Modi’s approach, accused him of adopting a “seasonal” interest in Tamil Nadu’s affairs. The AIADMK, which previously allied with the BJP, severed ties over various disagreements, including derogatory remarks made by state BJP chief K Annamalai.

In the absence of key allies, the BJP has forged an alliance with the PMK to bolster its electoral prospects, particularly among the Vanniyar community in northern Tamil Nadu. This strategic move aims to broaden the BJP’s support base and counter perceptions of being a party exclusively for certain castes.

Despite contesting only 23 of the 39 Lok Sabha seats, the BJP aims to position itself as the primary challenger to the DMK, banking on the potential sway of swing voters, particularly the youth demographic.

While the road ahead may be challenging, BJP state chief Narayanan Thirupathy remains optimistic, highlighting the significance of the youth vote and asserting that a substantial shift could occur from both the DMK and the AIADMK.

As Tamil Nadu braces for electoral showdowns, the BJP’s aspirations for electoral relevance hinge on its ability to navigate complex political dynamics and emerge as a formidable force in the state’s political landscape.