According to senior officials within the BJP, it has been conveyed that the party along with its allies, stands a favorable chance of securing victory in eight constituencies across Tamil Nadu. This information was shared during discussions with Dinamalar.
During the recent Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu, the BJP forged a distinct presence alongside the DMK and ADMK, forming a significant third front. The coalition comprised various parties, including the PMK, AMMK, ADMK Volunteer Rights Rescue Movement, New Justice Party (IJK), and IMKMK, among others. Additionally, support was garnered from around 125 smaller parties and social organizations.
In the electoral fray, the BJP and its allies contested in 19 constituencies, with four candidates representing alliance parties under the lotus symbol, while others chose to contest under their respective party symbols or independently.
Post-election, as the voting concluded, the intelligence department gathered data on voting percentages and the prospects of victory for the BJP in each constituency. This information was then presented to the party leadership, revealing that the BJP and its allies have promising chances of winning in eight specific constituencies such as Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Coimbatore, Theni, Dharmapuri, Ramanathapuram, Vellore, and Pollachi, aligning closely with Dinamalar’s Prepoll surveys.
- In Theni, the pre-poll survey pointed to TTV Dhinakaran of AMMK, a BJP ally, leading significantly with 54.50%, leveraging support from Prime Minister Modi’s initiatives and local campaigns. Despite DMK’s presence, its candidate faced challenges maintaining previous support levels, indicating diminished AIADMK competitiveness.
- Ramanathapuram witnessed a close contest, with IUML’s K Navaskani defending his seat against challengers like P Jayaperumal and independent candidate O Panneerselvam, allied with BJP. BJP’s projected lead of 32.60% showcased Modi’s influence, particularly in areas like Paramakudi and Muthukulathur, where infrastructure initiatives garnered support, while undecided votes held significance.
- Coimbatore emerged as a fiercely contested battleground, with DMK’s Ganapathi P Rajkumar replacing CPI-M’s PR Natarajan. BJP’s significant lead of 39.70% indicated shifting perceptions favoring candidate K Annamalai, despite initial doubts. Local dynamics, including ADMK’s previous stronghold and DMK’s efforts, contributed to the intense competition.
- Vellore showcased a neck-and-neck race between DMK’s D M Kathir Anand and BJP ally NJK’s A C Shanmugam. Though DMK held a slight advantage, internal discord and religious divisions posed challenges, with BJP capitalizing on Modi’s appeal and local industry support.
- In Tirunelveli, BJP candidate Nainar Nagendran led with 43.90%, leveraging Modi’s influence and discontent towards DMK. Despite DMK’s efforts to retain support, BJP’s growing influence, especially among certain demographics, posed a challenge.
- Dharmapuri’s three-way battle saw DMK’s A Mani against AIADMK’s Asokan and PMK’s Sowmiya Anbumani. Despite DMK’s projected lead, the Vanniyar caste’s traditional support for PMK and AIADMK’s previous alliance presented uncertainties.
- Kanyakumari, volatile due to religious affiliations, showed DMK’s lead, but shifting alliances and religious sentiments among voters posed challenges for candidates Vijay Vasanth, Pasliyan Nazareth, and Pon Radhakrishnan.
- Pollachi exhibited a close race, with DMK’s K Eswarasamy leading, despite AIADMK’s efforts. BJP’s Vasantha Rajan’s growing traction indicated a potential shift in dynamics, challenging AIADMK’s stronghold and Velumani’s strategies.
(with inputs from Dinamalar)
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