BJP-TN alliance seat drama
TN elections: Why BJP is missing from Tirupparankundram
Political critic A Muthukrishnan decodes NDA’s seat-sharing in TN, revealing why BJP’s attempt to turn Tirupparankundram into a communal flashpoint hit a wall
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has secured 27 seats in the AIADMK-led NDA in the Tamil Nadu assembly elections, but missing out on key constituencies like Tirupparankundram has raised questions about the party’s influence on the ground.
The Federal spoke to author and political critic A Muthukrishnan to decode the saffron party’s current standing and strategy in the state.
How do you assess the NDA seat-sharing in Tamil Nadu, especially BJP receiving only 27 seats?
The expectation was higher, especially for Tirupparankundram. For the last year, there were multiple controversies in that hill town, like lighting the lamp on the hilltop, and BJP seemed to push for it as a “South Ayodhya”. But they were denied the seat.
The seat-sharing shows that BJP now knows its limits; AIADMK remains the bigger player on the ground. BJP has historically relied on piggybacking on Dravidian parties. They don’t have a single constituency where they can truly influence local politics through development work.
Was Tirupparankundram expected to be a key seat for BJP?
Yes. There was speculation they might get 60 seats, and media reports suggested Tirupparankundram would be central. They tried to make a big noise here, bringing the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Madurai and creating political drama. But, in reality, the people of Tirupparankundram resisted.
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The communal and divisive issues BJP tried to highlight did not resonate locally.
Why do you think BJP failed to secure Tirupparankundram?
The residents knew that the local economy and tradition rely on communal harmony. The hill town’s business depends on pilgrim footfalls, weddings, and festivals. Any tension or violence would disrupt that.
The people were clear that BJP’s prior actions were harmful. The high court may have sided with the BJP, but the local sentiment remained firm. Contesting there could have led to a loss and harmed BJP’s future communal strategy in the area.
Does this reflect BJP’s overall approach in Tamil Nadu?
Absolutely. BJP’s politics have been mostly communal and divisive, like the Michaelpatti conversion issue in Thanjavur (BJP leader K Annamalai had alleged that the young girl's death in a Christian missionary school was due to forced conversion). These tactics haven’t worked in Tamil Nadu.
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The party’s influence is limited to making noise, not genuine political engagement. The seat-sharing confirms that they have to operate under the umbrella of larger parties like AIADMK.
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