BJP’s current strategy
Under Annamalai’s leadership, the BJP has charted a bold course by contesting in 23 seats on its own, a departure from its previous alliance-based approach. This shift signals the party’s confidence in its ability to attract voters on its own merit, rather than relying on alliances with regional parties like the DMK or AIADMK.BJP in Tamil Nadu
Unlike established regional players, the BJP lacks traditional vote banks (from minority groups, fishermen, women, or other segments of society) in Tamil Nadu, making it reliant on highlighting issues of corruption and dynastic politics to sway voters. Despite past successes only through alliances, Annamalai’s leadership has instilled a renewed sense of optimism within the party.
“Throughout its electoral history in the state, the BJP had gained only when it aligned with either of the Dravidian majors which have regional identity,” a senior AIADMK leader told PTI.
Claiming aligning with political parties at the time of elections was a decision of the party high command, BJP state vice president M Chakravarthy said that his party expanded and made inroads into new areas after Annamalai took over as president.”Not only youngsters but also all those in varying age groups are supporting us and want the corrupt (DMK) government dislodged,” he said. “More than the Vel yatra of former president L Murugan in 2021, Annamalai’s En Mann, En Makkal padayatra has made the BJP’s stock go up,” he asserts.
According to Dr Ponguleti Sudhakar Reddy, former MLC and BJP’s national co-incharge of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, public support to the party has been increasing on a massive scale and the Wednesday rally at Mettupalayam in Coimbatore district by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was an indication.
“The overwhelming response reflects Tamil Nadu’s optimism for a developed India under the leadership of our dynamic and visionary Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji. Bharat is committed to elect the Modi government again with the spirit of “Phir Ek Baar Modi Sarkar, Is Baar 400 Paar,” he said, alluding to Modi’s assertion of the saffron party crossing the 400-seat mark in this election.
Annamalai’s En Mann, En Makkal Padayatra
Annamalai’s “En Mann, En Makkal” padayatra has been instrumental in galvanizing support for the BJP across Tamil Nadu. The seven-month-long journey, culminating in a rally attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, showcased Annamalai as a dynamic leader committed to addressing grassroots issues.
Political observers feel his vehement criticism of the ruling party on many public issues, his assertive and aggressive nature, and cordial approach to the people have endeared him to more people, especially the ones looking at an alternative to the DMK and AIADMK.
On the padayatra that virtually catapulted him to a star status, something no BJP leader in the state has enjoyed so far, Annamlai terms the initiative as “important.”
“The En Mann, En Makkal padayatra was an important journey for the BJP in Tamil Nadu. We are contesting from 23 seats in the state – 19 on our own and 4 of our allies are contesting on the Lotus symbol,” he said.
Targeting the DMK
Throughout the padayatra, Annamalai focused on exposing alleged corruption within the DMK, particularly within institutions like the state-run milk cooperative Aavin. While these accusations were met with skepticism by the ruling party, they helped bolster Annamalai’s image as a crusader against corruption. He also released “DMK files,” alleging corruption by senior leaders, although these accusations were dismissed by the ruling party.
The Coimbatore Lok Sabha seat
In Coimbatore, Annamalai has narrowed down the poll battle to a triangular contest, his rivals being those from the DMK and AIADMK.
On the decision to break ties with the AIADMK, he said “nature and other factors decided us to go this path.”
“On June 4 you will see increased numbers, increased vote share and conversion to seats,” he claimed.
Previous elections
The BJP never made a mark in the previous Lok Sabha elections in the state. In 2014, the BJP and its ally the PMK managed to win one seat each while 37 other seats were won by AIADMK piloted by J Jayalalithaa.
In 2019, the BJP failed to retain the seat it won from Kanyakumari. The election also saw the reversal of the AIADMK’s political fortunes and the party managed to win only the Theni seat under the leadership of Edappadi K Palaniswami and O Panneerselvam, who was expelled from the party later.
On the other hand, the DMK performed impressively, winning 24 seats on its own while its allies together secured 14 seats, thus totaling 38 out of 39 seats in the state.
Inputs from PTI
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