Is BJP Reaching Out to OPS Amid NDA Strain in Tamil Nadu?
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Synopsis
In an intriguing political maneuver, the BJP reaches out to expelled AIADMK leader O. Panneerselvam amidst rising tensions within the NDA in Tamil Nadu. This move highlights the party's strategy to engage the influential Thevar community ahead of critical elections, reflecting a keen awareness of the shifting political landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Strategic outreach to OPS highlights BJP’s electoral strategy.
- Thevar community critical for electoral success in Tamil Nadu.
- Leadership changes in BJP reflect shifting political dynamics.
- OPS’s faction struggles to gain traction.
- 2026 Assembly elections shape current political maneuvers.
Chennai, Aug 10 (NationPress) In a surprising development regarding the political landscape of Tamil Nadu, the BJP’s state leadership has made overtures to expelled AIADMK leader O. Panneerselvam (OPS), inviting him to engage with the party’s national general secretary (Organisation) B.L. Santhosh, who is set to arrive in Chennai this Sunday.
Sources indicate that the BJP’s high command is dissatisfied with recent political maneuvers, particularly concerning the critical support of the influential Thevar community.
This community is notably represented in at least 40 Assembly constituencies across the southern districts, underlining the importance of OPS’s involvement in the NDA’s electoral strategies.
The BJP’s intentions became apparent when it appointed Nainar Nagendran as the state unit president, a decision interpreted as a strategy to engage the Thevar vote bank. Party insiders suggest that AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) struggles to connect with this community, while the DMK also encounters difficulties in solidifying its base.
Santhosh, regarded as the BJP’s main troubleshooter in southern India and a trusted advisor to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, is scheduled to meet OPS after the latter openly criticized being excluded from discussions with Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their recent visits to Tamil Nadu.
While OPS did not directly mention Nagendran, his comments about persistent yet unsuccessful attempts to reach out to the state BJP chief were interpreted as indicative of the ongoing discord between the two.
Political analysts highlight a longstanding rivalry between OPS and Nagendran, with the latter having previously supported OPS during his leadership era, often clashing with EPS.
However, the dynamics have evolved following the recent leadership transition within the state BJP and the NDA’s political adjustments in Tamil Nadu.
The BJP’s decision appears to be a calculated one, as EPS’s AIADMK holds a significant 21.4% vote share, in contrast to OPS’s splinter faction, the AIADMK Cadres’ Rights Retrieval Committee, which has struggled to gain traction, only garnering around 1% of the vote.
With the 2026 Assembly elections approaching, the BJP is carefully considering its strategies, aiming to balance its alliances while avoiding any fragmentation of its voter base in the south.
Point of View
This outreach by the BJP illustrates a calculated strategy to strengthen alliances and consolidate voter bases. As political dynamics shift, maintaining relationships with influential leaders like OPS could prove essential in navigating the complexities of Tamil Nadu's electoral landscape.
NationPress
30/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the BJP reaching out to OPS?
The BJP is seeking to strengthen its position in Tamil Nadu by engaging OPS to tap into the influential Thevar community's support ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
What is the significance of the Thevar community?
The Thevar community plays a crucial role in at least 40 Assembly constituencies in southern Tamil Nadu, making their support vital for any political party's success in the region.
How does OPS's faction compare to EPS's AIADMK?
EPS's AIADMK commands a substantial 21.4% vote share, while OPS's splinter faction has struggled, holding around 1% of the vote share.
What are the implications of this outreach?
This move may help the BJP consolidate support in Tamil Nadu and prevent fragmentation of its voter base as it prepares for upcoming elections.
Who is B.L. Santhosh?
B.L. Santhosh is the BJP’s national general secretary (Organisation) and is known as a key troubleshooter for the party in southern India.
