Why is the BJP keen to hoist the saffron flag in Tamil Nadu?

Having already established a solid presence in three out of the four southern states, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has now resolved to build the saffron flag in Tamil Nadu.

- VIVEK SHUKLA

It has demonstrated its influence and tasted power several times in Karnataka, is currently a partner in power in Andhra Pradesh and has established a strong foothold in Telangana as well. Only Tamil Nadu remains where the BJP, despite having presence for decades, has not been able to make a significant impact. This has been a matter of concern as well as contemplation for the BJP and the recent announcement of the alliance between AIADMK and PMK is part of this process. The credit for making this alliance smooth and shaping it according to the party's needs goes to Home Minister Amit Shah. This task was not as easy this time. The alliance between AIADMK and BJP is not new. The BJP laid down the foundation for an alliance with this party back in 1998. The credit for forming Atal Bihari Vajpayee's government in 1998 goes to AIADMK. As long as J. Jayalalithaa was alive, the AIADMK maintained a close relationship with the BJP. But later, aligning with the Congress in 2009, Karunanidhi aligned the DMK with the BJP and enjoyed power until 2004.