India (Commonwealth Union)_ Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strategic outreach to the southern states continues steadily, with a focus on strengthening the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) presence in regions that are traditionally less receptive to the party’s ideology. This renewed approach comes against the backdrop of the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, which have intensified following recent developments such as the appointment of new Election Commissioners and updates on the Electoral Bonds Scheme.
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Accordingly, Kerala, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu are the southern states of particular significance where Prime Minister Modi has been actively engaging as part of the BJP’s intensified efforts to consolidate its position in the region. In Karnataka, Modi addressed his second public gathering on Monday, underscoring the NDA‘s campaign momentum. Notably, this event took place in Shivamogga, the home district of prominent BJP figure Yediyurappa.
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During his recent visit to Andhra Pradesh, Modi rallied support for NDA candidates, sharing the stage with key political figures such as Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu and JanaSena Party chief K Pawan Kalyan. In Shivamogga, Modi campaigned for B Y Raghavendra, Yediyurappa’s elder son and BJP’s candidate for the Shimoga Lok Sabha constituency, underscoring the BJP’s determination to secure a stronghold in the region.
There was a warm welcome for Modi’s appearance at the Allama Prabhu ground in Shivamogga, where nearly 2.5 lakh people gathered. Notably, former deputy chief minister K S Eshwarappa’s decision to contest as an independent candidate also adds an intriguing dimension to the electoral landscape. In preparation for the event, BJP state chief B Y Vijayendra, along with senior party functionaries, has supervised logistical arrangements to ensure its smooth execution.
The BJP’s dominant performance in the 2019 elections, winning 25 out of 28 seats in Karnataka, underscores the party’s electoral prowess in the state. Inspired by this success, party leaders expressed confidence in replicating or even surpassing this feat in the upcoming polls. Later in the day, Modi proceeded to Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, where he led a roadshow from Mettupalayam Road to RS Puram. The Madras High Court’s approval for the roadshow, despite initial security concerns raised by the state government, has been welcomed by the BJP state unit, highlighting the significance of the event in the party’s electoral strategy.
PM Modi has set his focus actively on the South, as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has not yet secured a strong foothold in the region. Notably, there is optimism within the party regarding potential gains in Tamil Nadu, where party chief K Annamalai spearheads aggressive campaigning efforts. Recently, Modi conducted an energetic campaign in Tamil Nadu, targeting the ruling DMK government. The prime minister then departed to Kerala’s Palakkad aboard an Indian Air Force chopper from Coimbatore airport, aiming to appeal to the minority Christian community in the state.
While the BJP intensifies efforts to attract the five southern states where it lacks substantial support, Tamil Nadu appears to be receiving particular attention. With a total of 39 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu and one in neighboring Puducherry, the BJP has historically struggled to make significant electoral headway in the state. However, there’s hope for a reversal of this trend, especially under the assertive leadership of K Annamalai, who heads the state unit.
Notably, the 73-year-old Indian prime minister has already undertaken four visits to the state since January to launch projects and hold rallies. His outreach efforts in Tamil Nadu have resulted in the announcement of projects valued at over Rs 30,000 crore, with some personally inaugurated by him. Recognizing the dominance of Congress and regional parties in the southern states, the BJP is actively seeking to expand its political footprint in the region. Consequently, South India emerges as a pivotal focus of the party’s electoral strategy in the upcoming polls.
The BJP’s aspirations for the 2024 elections depend significantly on substantial support from the southern states. Hence, Modi’s prolonged attention to Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Telangana underscores the importance of securing a strong presence in these regions well before the general elections. Overall, Modi’s energetic engagement with the southern states reflects the BJP’s strong efforts to expand its political footprint beyond its traditional strongholds. With ambitious goals for the 2024 elections, particularly aiming for a significant share of seats from the south, Modi’s strategic focus on states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Telangana underscores the party’s determination to realize its electoral aspirations.
