Reports point to BJP’s Operation Kamala having played a pivotal role in Congress’s downfall in Puducherry. However, the party had to tweak its strategy a bit when it came to its close neighbour Tamil Nadu. The state is witnessing its first election without the two stalwarts J Jayalalithaa and M Karunanidhi. The new kid on the political block is Kamal Haasan. With actor, politician and MNM chief jumping into the political fray, BJP set in motion ‘Operation Kamal’. National General Secretary of the party CT Ravi, in an exclusive interviews, elaborated on the party’s action plan in Tamil Nadu.
“Kamal may have his star power. But one needs to instil confidence in people, when it comes to taking on a political avatar. Forget his party, even he won’t win in his own constituency,” said Ravi, who is busy playing cameo in Tamil Nadu election campaign, while Kamal is busy with his electoral debut.
The BJP has aligned with the ruling AIADMK and is set to contest in 20 constituencies of the 234. Ravi is confident of 50% victory, which he hopes will pave the way for the saffron party to make inroads into the Dravidian land. “We will win at least 10. If the trend is in our favour, we would be able to bag even 12,” he said.
Unfortunately for him, reports suggest that the trend is in favour of the DMK. “Even in 2016, many surveys predicted a DMK win, but the result proved otherwise,” said Ravi, adding that there was no anti-AIADMK sentiment either. Let’s not forget, the DMK is banking on its victory in the 2019 Lok Sabha election, hoping that history would repeat itself in the assembly election as well.
Unfortunately for him, reports suggest that the trend is in favour of the DMK. “Even in 2016, many surveys predicted a DMK win, but the result proved otherwise,” said Ravi, adding that there was no anti-AIADMK sentiment either. Let’s not forget, the DMK is banking on its victory in the 2019 Lok Sabha election, hoping that history would repeat itself in the assembly election as well.
What worked in DMK’s favour in 2019 were the minority votes. They form around 12% of the total population. With BJP shunning away the minority votes, AIADMK could perhaps lose its fair share. “We have allies like the PMK and you are forgetting their vote bank, which is sizeable in number too,” countered Ravi.
Talking of size, everything need not be on the plus side. Some issues like the CAA are just left aside for now. While the AIADMK has promised not to implement CAA in the state if voted to power, the BJP has distanced itself terming it a “Dravidian party decision”. This gives a sense of palpable tension brewing between the two key alliance partners. “There is no tension. These are baseless rumours. We are united. And our focus is on winning the election together,” he said.
Talking of size, everything need not be on the plus side. Some issues like the CAA are just left aside for now. While the AIADMK has promised not to implement CAA in the state if voted to power, the BJP has distanced itself terming it a “Dravidian party decision”. This gives a sense of palpable tension brewing between the two key alliance partners. “There is no tension. These are baseless rumours. We are united. And our focus is on winning the election together,” he said.
Along with ideology, BJP is fighting a perception battle too in the state. Being disliked for its religious nationalism, as well as Hindi imposition, is PM Modi luring Tamil votes by quoting verses of legendary poets from the state in various speeches? “We have been given the tag of being pro-Brahmin and pro-North India. Did that make a difference? No! PM Modi’s wave has permeated through the remote corners of Tamil Nadu. He has quoted verses of Kannada poet Basavanna too. Our ancient scriptures find their way in relevant speeches,” said Ravi, denying party’s attempts to lure Tamil votes.
Will the AIADMK shake like a leaf with AMMK aiming to bring a wind of change? “Sasikala has said that she is stepping aside from politics and that she owes her allegiance to late TN CM Jayalalithaa’s party - AIADMK,” said Ravi perhaps implying that the root of the problem has been fixed.
The question now is whether the lotus will manage to bloom with the help of the two leaves, all the while ensuring the sun has set. And when it does, CT Ravi and his party leadership must work on Operation CAA keeping AIADMK’s stand in mind.
The question now is whether the lotus will manage to bloom with the help of the two leaves, all the while ensuring the sun has set. And when it does, CT Ravi and his party leadership must work on Operation CAA keeping AIADMK’s stand in mind.
