The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has significantly intensified its preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu, with a series of high-profile visits by its top leadership scheduled for the coming weeks. The strategy aims to solidify the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the state and galvanize the party's grassroots machinery.
Prime Minister Modi's Return to Kanyakumari & Major Rally
Central to the party's plan is a large public meeting in Kanyakumari during the fourth week of January. Senior party leaders have indicated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to address this gathering. This visit will mark Modi's return to the southern tip of India after his spiritual trip in May 2024, when he meditated at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial.
The BJP intends to showcase a united NDA front at this event. The party plans to bring leaders from all its alliance constituents to share the stage with the Prime Minister, projecting a cohesive coalition ahead of the polls.
Preparatory Visits and Ground Assessment
Before the Prime Minister's proposed Kanyakumari rally, the BJP's working president, Nitin Nabin, is scheduled to visit Coimbatore on January 10 and 11. According to state functionaries, these meetings will focus on assessing the political situation on the ground and strengthening coordination with alliance partners. They clarified that seat-sharing or candidate-level discussions are not on the immediate agenda for this visit.
A state BJP functionary revealed that PM Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Nitin Nabin are each expected to visit Tamil Nadu at least three times before the elections, apart from addressing major rallies. This underscores the party's focused campaign strategy for the state.
Broadening the NDA: Talks with OPS and TTV Dhinakaran
In a bid to expand and strengthen the NDA's base, the BJP is initiating talks with key regional figures. Party leaders confirmed that discussions will be held with expelled AIADMK leader O. Panneerselvam (OPS) and AMMK general secretary TTV Dhinakaran.
While the AIADMK, a major NDA constituent, had previously opposed their return to the alliance fold, BJP leaders say its stance has softened. This shift followed visits to the state by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP's Tamil Nadu in-charge, Piyush Goyal. A senior BJP leader acknowledged existing differences but expressed confidence, stating, "They will be resolved and (they will be) brought into the alliance."
The political alignment in the state will receive an early indicator during the Governor's Republic Day tea reception on January 26. The participation of NDA allies will signal the coalition's cohesion, especially after the Tamil Nadu Congress announced a boycott of the event, accusing the Governor of acting against the elected state government.
