BJP’s Tamil Nadu Strategy: Can K Annamalai Break Dravidian Politics?

Tamil Nadu holds the key to BJP’s ambitious “400 paar” goal, with K Annamalai spearheading the party’s charge. In a bid to breach the formidable Dravidian wall, BJP eyes Coimbatore, a significant battleground.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, DMK-led UPA swept Tamil Nadu, winning 38 out of 39 seats. Annamalai’s candidacy in Coimbatore, a strategic move by BJP, promises a riveting contest against DMK, AIADMK, and Naam Tamilar Katchi.

Annamalai’s criticism of Dravidian icons led to AIADMK’s contentious exit from BJP-led NDA. His opponent, AIADMK’s G Ramachandran, asserts Annamalai’s disconnect with Tamil Nadu’s grassroots.

DMK’s P Rajkumar, a former AIADMK member, brings familiarity with Coimbatore. Backed by allies and local communities, Rajkumar poses a formidable challenge.

Annamalai targets overlooked communities, emphasizing BJP’s historical vote shares. Can he revive BJP’s fortunes in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape?