CHENNAI: In a big improvement forward of the essential 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has secured a vital seat-sharing settlement with the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) in Tamil Nadu. As a part of the deal, the PMK, representing the Vanniyar minority, has been allotted ten parliamentary constituencies for contesting the upcoming polls within the southern state. PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss expressed optimism about this alliance, stating, “The people of Tamil Nadu are yearning for a change after six decades of rule by other parties. To fulfil this aspiration, PMK has chosen to align with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the BJP.”
Impact Of BJP-PMK AllianceÂ
Tamil Nadu BJP president Ok Annamalai echoed Ramadoss’s sentiments, emphasizing the energy of the alliance. He highlighted the transformative affect of the PMK’s resolution to align with the NDA, resulting in an instantaneous shift within the political panorama. Both leaders are set to take part in a public assembly alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underscoring the importance of this collaboration.Â
The PMK, which largely represents the Vanniyar minority in Tamil Nadu, was the second major alliance accomplice of the BJP within the Lok Sabha election 2019, which contested on seven alliance seats. With a vote share of 5.42 per cent, it was unable to safe even one seat within the polls. PMK contested 23 seats within the AIADMK alliance within the 2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election and received 5 seats by securing 4.04 per cent.
During the 2019 normal elections, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led Secular Progressive Alliance, which comprised INC, VCK, MDMK, CPI, CPI(M), IUML, MMK, KMDK, TVK, AIFB, registered a landslide victory by profitable 38 of the 39 seats. In 2019, the DMK received 23 Lok Sabha seats with 33.2 per cent vote share, Congress bagged 8 seats with 12.9 per cent vote and CPI received 2 seats in Tamil Nadu. CPI(M) bought a seat, IML received 1 seat and independents have been elected on 2 seats.
The PMK had a slight improve in vote share to five.42 per cent over seven seats in 2014, up from 4.4 per cent for eight seats. Anbumani Ramadoss is at the moment a Rajya Sabha member having been elected unopposed in 2019.
BJP’s Seat-Sharing Arrangements
Following the settlement, discussions are underway to finalize the specifics of the seat-sharing association. PMK leaders are anticipated to attend Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming public assembly in Salem, the place the official announcement of PMK candidates will happen. This alliance marks a strategic transfer by the BJP to bolster its presence in Tamil Nadu, a state traditionally dominated by Dravidian events.
Expanding Footprints In DMK-Ruled Tamil Nadu
The current seat-sharing cope with the PMK underscores the BJP’s concerted efforts to broaden its affect in Tamil Nadu, regardless of being underneath the rule of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). Prime Minister Modi’s intensive outreach within the state, coupled with alliances with regional events and distinguished figures like actor R Sarath Kumar, indicators the BJP’s decided push into Tamil Nadu’s political enviornment. This was adopted by Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) chief T.T.V. Dhinakaran’s announcement of his social gathering’s unconditional assist to the BJP-led alliance for the Lok Sabha polls.Â
Inclusive Approach and Political Strategy
The BJP’s inclusive strategy, demonstrated by way of the choice of leaders from numerous backgrounds to helm the social gathering in Tamil Nadu, goals to dispel misconceptions and broaden its enchantment past conventional voter bases. By showcasing a dedication to inclusivity and embracing regional sentiments, the BJP seeks to carve a distinct segment in Tamil Nadu’s political panorama.
Challenges And Optimism
While the BJP faces challenges in Tamil Nadu, significantly in garnering assist amidst current political dynamics, the social gathering stays optimistic about its prospects. With the Lok Sabha elections approaching, the BJP’s concerted efforts to have interaction with voters and forge alliances underscore its willpower to ascertain a formidable presence within the state and reshape Tamil Nadu’s political narrative within the upcoming elections.
Lok Sabha Elections In Tamil Nadu
The first part of voting for all 39 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu is scheduled for April 19. The Election Commission has introduced a seven-phase polling schedule throughout the nation, with voting going down from April 19 to June 1 and counting of votes slated for June 4.
