From the margins to momentum: BJP’s journey in Tamil Nadu
The rise of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and confusions within the AIADMK, as well as the sustained efforts of recent BJP State presidents Tamilisai Soundararajan, L. Murugan and K. Annamalai, have helped the BJP gain strength. File | Photo Credit: The Hindu
The BJP has struggled to establish a foothold of its own in Tamil Nadu, where politics has been dominated by Dravidian elders for over five decades, but the party has gained momentum in the state in recent years.
The BJP has long been seen as a “North Indian” party; Dravidian notables, especially the DMK, were carefully constructing a narrative portraying the BJP as a political outsider in the state.
It was published – 09 April 2026 08:05 IST
