Can Yogi Adityanath, Pramod Sawant conquer South for BJP?

The biggest reason for the BJP not being strong in Tamil Nadu has been the lack of leadership in the State, with many BJP leaders known for controversial statements. But Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have changed this perception. And then, after the appointment of former IPS officer K Annamalai as the Tamil Nadu BJP president, the BJP's prospects in the Dravidian party-dominated southern State have increased considerably

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is vigorously campaigning to establish a strong presence in South India in this 2024 Lok Sabha election. Determined to leave no room for its rivals, the party is actively dispelling the misconception that it lacks a foothold in the region. This election, the BJP aims to prove political pundits wrong by turning the tide in its favor across the southern States. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections could be instrumental in reshaping the perception of the BJP in South India.

The BJP has entrusted two of its most dynamic Chief Ministers, Yogi Adityanath and Pramod Sawant, with the responsibility of leading intensive campaigns in South India. Both leaders have steered their respective States, Uttar Pradesh and Goa, towards significant development through their effective governance.

Campaigning for BJP candidates in Karnataka, Pramod Sawant's ability to deliver speeches in Kannada has resonated with the local populace, making an immediate impact. With a pan-Indian appeal, Yogi Adityanath is scheduled to campaign across other South Indian States. He has previously campaigned in Karnataka, where his message resonates with the youth, working class, and women. His success in transforming Uttar Pradesh from a struggling State to one of the most developed in the country, coupled with his reputation for strict law and order, has garnered him significant attention.

Both leaders represent a new wave within the BJP. Yogi Adityanath’s success story in Uttar Pradesh demonstrates the party's commitment to development and efficient governance. It may be recalled that Pramod Sawant is actively working to reshape Goa's image beyond its beaches and churches, emphasizing its rich historical and cultural heritage as a part of 'Sanatan Bhoomi' (the land of eternal Dharma). He envisions Goa's development through a combination of tourism and spiritual nationalism.

The BJP's strategic focus on South India signifies its ambition to expand its national footprint. By deploying popular leaders like Yogi Adityanath and Pramod Sawant, the party aims to connect with the southern electorate and showcase its development-oriented governance model. This concerted effort could potentially redefine the BJP's position in South India and influence the outcome of the upcoming elections. The BJP is putting its heart and soul into making a strong presence in the battle for South India this time. It is in no mood to give space to its rivals in this electoral battle.

Those who think that the BJP has no existence in South India are mistaken. This time it wants to prove the political pundits wrong. The southern states of India have been a tough challenge for the BJP. But this time the party has made up its mind to turn the electoral situation in South India in its favor.

It goes without saying that both Yogi Adityanath and Pramod Sawant are taking Uttar Pradesh and Goa to the heights of development thanks to their efficient leadership. Pramod Sawant is campaigning in favor of BJP candidates in Karnataka. They give their speech in Kannada in Karnataka. Obviously, because of this, they immediately impress the local people. Yogi Adityanath has campaigned in Karnataka in the past. The youth, hardworking people, and women of Karnataka listen to him very carefully. He has brought sick Uttar Pradesh into the category of the most developed state in the country. He has proved that goons and miscreants run away from a tight administration. If we talk about Pramod Sawant, then he is changing the established image of Goa. He wants Goa to be known for its rich past besides its beaches and churches. A particular kind of perception has been created about Goa, whereas the truth is that Goa is Sanatan land. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has resolved to develop Goa with tourism and spiritual nationalism.

Of course, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, these two are also going to play a significant role in creating an atmosphere in favour of the BJP in South India. Yogi Adityanath has addressed large gatherings in Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Bihar, in addition to his home state. Wherever he goes, he receives an unprecedented welcome.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu is one of those unique states where, with more than 87 percent Hindu population, the presence of national parties, namely BJP and Congress, has been weak. Yes, the BJP has been gathering votes in Coimbatore and Kanyakumari. The biggest reason for the BJP not being strong in Tamil Nadu has been the lack of leadership in the State, with many BJP leaders known for controversial statements. But Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have changed this perception. And then, after the appointment of former IPS officer K Annamalai as the Tamil Nadu BJP president, the BJP's prospects in the Dravidian party-dominated southern State have increased considerably. Annamalai has also been largely successful in preparing the ground for the party in the State. Modi and Amit Shah are constantly supporting Annamalai's leadership.

There are a total of 130 Lok Sabha seats in South India. This includes Tamil Nadu (39), Karnataka (28), Andhra Pradesh (25), Telangana (17), Kerala (20), and Puducherry (1). Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu has already recorded a voter turnout of 68.96 per cent in the Lok Sabha elections on last Friday after the entire 39 Lok Sabha seats completed voting in a single phase to decide the fate of 950 candidates. People wait to cast their votes during the first round of polling of India's national election in Chennai on Friday. The polling percentage in Tamil Nadu in the past three general elections in 2009, 2014 and 2019 has been 73.02 per cent, 73.74 per cent and 72.47 per cent respectively. Chennai with three Lok Sabha constituencies usually sees a low voter turnout. In 2019, the capital city recorded the lowest at 60 per cent, lesser than the State average of 72 per cent.

Finally, the BJP’s efforts to engage Southern States through prominent leaders like Yogi Adityanath and Pramod Sawant are indicative of its serious intent to expand its footprint in the region.

(The author is Delhi-based senior journalist and writer. He is author of Gandhi's Delhi which has brought to the forth many hidden facts about Mahatma Gandhi)