As the BJP sets its sights on a significant breakthrough in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections with its “Iss Baar 400 Paar” campaign, BJP Tamil Nadu’ President and Former IPS officer, K Annamalai’s emergence has injected fresh momentum into the party’s fortunes in the southern state, traditionally dominated by Dravidian parties. Annamalai is seen as a crucial figure in the party’s efforts to expand its presence in a state where it has historically played a secondary role to the Dravidian parties like DMK and AIADMK.
Notably, the BJP is contesting directly for 19 seats, including Coimbatore where Annamalai is a candidate, to lead a coalition-free party, unlike its previous roles of either supporting the DMK or AIADMK. This departure signifies the BJP’s belief in its capacity to appeal to voters based on its agenda, rather than depending on alliances.
Much of the party’s newfound confidence stems from Annamalai’s “En Mann, En Makkal” (My Land, My People) padayatra, a significant political expedition that garnered attention towards the Tamil Nadu BJP and elevated him as a prominent figure in the southern region for the party. While the extent to which the enthusiastic crowds at the rallies will translate into votes for the BJP remains uncertain, the padayatra succeeded in portraying Annamalai as a prominent leader challenging corruption and dynastic politics, which was the primary objective of the journey on foot.
Annamalai made headlines by releasing what he called “DMK files,” accusing senior DMK leaders of corruption, although these claims were rejected by the ruling party. Nevertheless, these incidents drew attention to Annamalai. Political analysts believe that his outspoken criticism of the ruling party on various public matters, his assertive demeanor, and his approachable nature have endeared him to more individuals, particularly those seeking an alternative to the DMK and AIADMK.
In Coimbatore, Annamalai has turned the election into a three-way battle, facing off against candidates from the DMK and AIADMK while he confidently asserted, “On June 4, you will witness increased numbers, a higher vote share, and a conversion into seats.”.
The BJP might have struggled to make an impact in previous Lok Sabha elections in the state, in 2014, the party along with its ally, Pattali Makkal Katchi secured one seat each, while the AIADMK, led by J Jayalalithaa, won 37 seats. In 2019, the BJP although failed again to retain the seat it won in Kanyakumari, with Annamalai in the south – the emerging leader in Tamilnadu, the BJP is poised to make a significant impact in the Southern elections.
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