A THREE-WAY FIGHT IN TAMIL NADU AND SOME NEW FACES

Caste calculus, especially the votes of Dalits and minorities, and the votes of women, are crucial in making a party win.

- LATHA SRINIVASAN

The 2024 Lok Sabha battle in Tamil Nadu seems to be developing into a three-way fight among the ruling DMK, the AIADMK and the BJP. While the DMK and its alliance are seen to be on a winning path, the AIADMK and the BJP are making sure that the Lok Sabha elections are not won without a tough fight. April 19 is the day when Tamil Nadu goes to the polls, and campaigning has been proceeding at a brisk pace by the Dravidian parties and the national party.

Tamil Nadu has made strong strides in terms of development, like education, healthcare, infrastructure facilities and socio-political mobility among various sections of society. However, caste calculus, especially the votes of Dalits and minorities, and the votes of women, are crucial in making a party win. How will the DMK, the AIADMK and the BJP, which is trying to strengthen its presence, fare this time?

AIADMK TRIES TO FORGE A NEW PATH, SANS BJP

In Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) has long been a prominent force. As the Lok Sabha elections approach, the party finds itself at a critical juncture, poised to make significant strides or face formidable challenges. The party has undergone restructuring and realignment, with Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) emerging as the party General Secretary, breaking off the alliance with the BJP and leading the party into a new era.
The AIADMK’s performance in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections was marked by a setback as it secured only one seat out of Tamil Nadu’s 39. However, the political dynamics have since evolved, with the demise of former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa and the subsequent internal power struggles.

One of the crucial factors that will influence the AIADMK’s prospects in the