The BJP recently inducted15 former MLAs and an ex-MP into its fold, most of whom were with the AIADMK.The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been intensifying efforts to establish its presence in Tamil Nadu over the past three years. However, as the country gears up for the Lok Sabha elections, the BJP finds itself grappling for relevance in the state’s political landscape.
Tamil Nadu, historically dominated by the two main Dravidian parties — the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the opposition All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) — is witnessing a fierce bipolar contest. Since 1967, either the DMK or the AIADMK has held power, leaving no room for national parties.
In recent times, both the DMK and the AIADMK have dismissed the BJP as inconsequential, labeling it as a “minor player” with a lack of grassroots support. Instead of engaging with the BJP, the Dravidian parties have chosen to focus on attacking each other.
While initial phases of the election campaign hinted at a potential face-off between the DMK and the BJP, analysts suggest that both the DMK and the AIADMK have now recognized the BJP’s attempts to assert itself in Tamil Nadu and therefore, decided to sideline the party.
The BJP wants to secure the runner-up position in the Lok Sabha elections, positioning itself as the primary opposition party before the state polls in 2026. However, both the DMK and the AIADMK are clear that there is no space for “outsiders” in Tamil Nadu.
Former AIADMK minister SP Velumani emphasized that the primary contest is with the DMK, relegating the BJP to a distant third. He even ridiculed the BJP, urging them to establish a grassroots presence before challenging the AIADMK. Similarly, AIADMK general secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami asserted that the BJP’s limited presence in the state owes to his party’s support.
During an election rally in Chidambaram, Palaniswami said that national parties like the Congress and the BJP only sought the support of regional parties during elections, stressing the need for regional parties like the AIADMK to maintain autonomy to safeguard state interests.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and DMK president “thanked” Palaniswami for acknowledging that the main political contest lies between their parties. This acknowledgment came after a period during which senior DMK leaders primarily targeted the Prime Minister and the Union government over issues related to state rights, while only Udhayanidhi Stalin, also the sports minister, directed criticism towards Palaniswami.
However, former Union minister and DMK deputy general secretary A. Raja framed the electoral battle as one between Dravidian ideology and communalism. He pointed to the historical dominance of the Dravidian parties in Tamil Nadu, criticizing parties that exploit religious sentiments for electoral gain.
The AIADMK, formerly part of the BJP-led NDA, severed ties with the BJP in September 2023. Despite feelers from the BJP, the AIADMK has refused to form an alliance. Meanwhile , the AIADMK formed alliances with parties like the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), the Social Democratic Party of India, the Puthiya Tamilagam led by K. Krishnasamy, and the Manithaneya Makkal Katchi.
Whereas the BJP forged alliances with the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) and AIADMK dissidents TTV Dhinakaran and O Panneerselvam, along with actor-turned-politician R Sarathkumar merging his All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi with the party.
Following the alliance formation, BJP state president K Annamalai expressed confidence in securing 25 percent of the votes in the Lok Sabha election. The BJP received a boost with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first roadshow in Coimbatore, where Annamalai is contesting. Despite being ignored by the Dravidian parties, Annamalai is confident that the state is going to vote for the BJP.