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New Delhi:

Tamil Nadu is becoming the second state after Karnataka where the BJP is hoping for a breakthrough in the south. The battle is for 39 seats, in which the BJP is banking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make a dent in the Dravidian politics that has dominated the state for decades. Over the last months, PM Modi has been on a major push, advocating Tamil history and culture from various forums, besides holding multiple rallies in the state and its capital Chennai.

“PM Modi sees an undercurrent that we do not,’ political strategist Amitabh Tiwari said during the NDTV show “Battleground” anchored by Editor-in-Chief Sanjay Pugalia.

Even so, there is a “daunting task ahead,’ he said. “The advantage BJP enjoys in other parts of country, the DMK enjoys here. Without denting DMK vote share, the BJP cannot hope to make inroads. It is banking on PM’s charisma to bring in votes,” he added.

The ruling DMK was gracious. “PM does enjoy a great deal of attention in media space and among common people… we are happy that the PM has come often to Tamil Nadu,” said party spokesperson Manuraj Sundaram.

He, however, made two crucial points. First that there is “tendency now to distrust Delhi” — a fallout of the unequal funds coming in that has been flagged by a section. Also, there is considerable apprehension over the delimitation exercise, which would inevitably lead to lesser representation in parliament for the southern states compared to the north, given south’s controlled population.

Secondly, Tamil Nadu is state “that has been dominated by a type of politics – Dravidian or socialist politics, strong sense of identity,’ Mr Sundaram said.

The AIADMK, which broke off the short-lived alliance with the BJP last year, was critical of the Prime Minister’s efforts to champion the southern state.

“He is the Prime Minister of country and should look at states with equality,” said party spokesperson Apsara Reddy.

The Prime Minister’s approach is ‘seasonal” she said. “When polls are announced, he comes here. By reciting a few lines from Tirukkural, you don’t become a Tamil.  It won’t translate to larger seats or vote share,” she added.