PM Modi sets off on Mission South, what is BJP’s plan to make an impact in Tamil Nadu?

It is evident to all that despite all efforts, the BJP appears to be struggling in South India. From Gujarat to the Northeast, from Kashmir to Karnataka, it has hoisted the saffron flag, but it has failed to gain a foothold in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. Recently, there was some good news in a few local elections. After electing a new and youngest-ever national president in the new year, the BJP has now entered election mode. By promoting young leadership, the BJP has prepared a plan to win Tamil Nadu. The Prime Minister today launched his ‘South Mission’ from Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. A large crowd gathered along the roadside to greet the PM during his roadshow. Following this, he will hold a rally in Tamil Nadu, but the state’s politics revolves around two parties; how will the BJP work its magic?

For the 234-seat Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election, the Prime Minister is today launching the NDA’s election campaign. A major NDA rally is being held in Madurantakam, Tamil Nadu. There is discussion from Delhi to Chennai. The BJP’s election in-charge and a central minister wrote on social media that this marks the beginning of the NDA’s election campaign in Tamil Nadu under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and Edappadi K. Palaniswami. This is considered a DMK stronghold. Here, by projecting the AIADMK to the forefront, the BJP is aiming to win Tamil Nadu. In a social media post, the PM claimed that Tamil Nadu is with the NDA. Read about Tamil Nadu’s current politics and the BJP’s plan in five points.

1. BJP’s Tamil Nadu Mission

In Tamil Nadu, the BJP wants to expand the NDA as much as possible. It is setting up its fielding against the DMK, aiming to play an aggressive game. Here, the BJP wants to unite anti-DMK voters and bring them to its side. This is why discussions and alliances have been held with several leaders in recent days.

2. Vijay Sounds His ‘Whistle’

In the state’s traditional bipolar politics, actor Vijay’s TVK has emerged as a third front. Recently, Vijay’s meeting with election strategist Prashant Kishor generated significant discussion. The BJP wants to bring him on board as well, but Vijay’s camp is projecting him as a Chief Ministerial candidate. The state’s history also shows that the public has often favored actors. A large number of Gen Z and youth have been seen at his rallies. Vijay has consistently opposed the BJP’s ideology. Although TVK has shown an inclination towards the Congress, an alliance is difficult. His party has received the ‘Whistle’ as its election symbol.

3. Who is with the BJP

The constituent parties of the NDA in Tamil Nadu currently include the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), Tamil Maanila Congress, and Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK). The NDA has raised the slogan of removing the DMK government from power in Tamil Nadu. The NDA hopes that the PM’s rally will generate new enthusiasm among BJP and allied party workers.

4. BJP Banking on Jayalalithaa’s ‘Strength’

Yes, the BJP’s thinking is to unite the AIADMK and all allies who were with the late leader Jayalalithaa. The NDA’s fight is against the alliance of the Congress, DMK, and the Left. Therefore, it wants to increase the popular base of its coalition from every angle.

5. Will the Alliance Expand Further?

Yes, the way the BJP’s Tamil Nadu election in-charge is holding meetings indicates just that. He is engaged in expanding the NDA in the state. He has also met with IJK leader P. Ventham. Efforts are also underway to bring the remaining factions of the AIADMK on board.