Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Tamil Nadu on April 9 and April 10 aimed to drum up support for his party in the Lok Sabha election, highlighting the BJP’s intensified efforts to make inroads into the southern state.
Demonstrated Attention to Tamil Nadu
Since February 27, this visit marked Modi’s seventh trip to Tamil Nadu, showcasing his particular focus on the state since the 2019 Lok Sabha election. His attention is evident in various actions, such as holding an informal summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Mamallapuram, references to Tamil literary works, and organizing Tamil Sangamams in his constituencies.
Promotion of Younger Leaders
The promotion of younger leaders like State president K. Annamalai and Union Minister of State L. Murugan suggests that the BJP sees Tamil Nadu as having significant growth potential in the next few years.
BJP’s Electoral Performance
Despite not achieving significant success in previous elections, the BJP is vigorously pursuing a “southern push” in Tamil Nadu. Its vote share in 2019 was 3.6% with no seats, and in 2021, it was 2.6% with four Assembly seats.
Opportunities Arising from AIADMK’s Internal Issues
Internal issues within the AIADMK have created opportunities for the BJP to expand its base. This includes certain sections of the AIADMK leaving the party, providing the BJP with a chance to grow.
Projection as the Alternative to DMK
The BJP, under Annamalai’s leadership, is positioning itself as an alternative to the ruling DMK, aiming to capture the space in Tamil Nadu politics not occupied by the DMK or AIADMK.
Prime Minister Modi’s Roadshow
Modi’s roadshow in Chennai aimed to energize the party cadre ahead of polling. Although it may not directly translate into electoral success, it boosts morale and highlights the BJP’s presence in Tamil Nadu.
Fielding Nominees in Chennai
After 28 years, the BJP has fielded nominees in all three Chennai constituencies, signaling its intent to compete more aggressively in urban Tamil Nadu.
Influence of Previous Roadshows
The BJP attributes its relatively better performance in other regions, such as Bengaluru and Hyderabad, to similar roadshows by Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Impact of the Roadshow
Despite being a marginal player in Tamil Nadu politics, Modi’s roadshow became the focal point of discussion in the state, indicating the BJP’s growing visibility.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers:
- What was the main objective of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Tamil Nadu on April 9 and April 10?
- A) To attend an informal summit with Xi Jinping
- B) To promote his book on Tamil literature
- C) To drum up support for his party in the Lok Sabha election
- D) To inaugurate a new airport
- Which leaders are being promoted by the BJP in Tamil Nadu, indicating the party’s focus on the state’s potential growth?
- A) Veteran politicians
- B) Foreign diplomats
- C) Younger leaders like K. Annamalai and L. Murugan
- D) Bollywood actors
- What was the BJP’s vote share in Tamil Nadu during the 2019 Lok Sabha election?
- A) 5%
- B) 3.6%
- C) 2%
- D) 1%
- What opportunity has arisen for the BJP due to internal issues within the AIADMK?
- A) The chance to form a coalition government
- B) The opportunity to expand its base
- C) The risk of losing its existing supporters
- D) The necessity to merge with other parties
- What did Prime Minister Modi’s roadshow in Chennai aim to achieve?
- A) To announce new government policies
- B) To inaugurate a new metro line
- C) To boost morale among party workers
- D) To conduct opinion polls