The upcoming election campaign in Tamil Nadu will be dominated by the names of Lord Ram and Narendra Modi. While the BJP would love to make corruption its prime campaign issue in the state, the DMK may face challenges due to corruption allegations against some of its leaders. The AIADMK, on the other hand, cannot claim to be corruption-free. The opposition may also highlight the issue of ‘dynasty rule’ by the DMK, but this is unlikely to have a significant impact on the election results. The DMK is likely to project itself as the strongest southern sentinel against the saffron surge.
Parties don’t always return to power based on ‘positive’ campaigns, as the BJP’s politics of polarization proved successful in the past. While the DMK government may highlight its achievements and programs, the BJP will invoke the Modi mantra as part of a national strategy. Government programs such as piped water supply, toilets, and cooking gas connections in rural areas may improve the quality of life for villagers, and both the BJP and DMK will vie to take credit for these improvements. However, electoral arithmetic and alliances will also play a decisive role in the election results.
In conclusion, while the BJP may try to make corruption its prime campaign issue in Tamil Nadu, the impact of this strategy on the election results remains uncertain. The DMK is likely to focus on its achievements and government programs, while also positioning itself as the strongest defense against the saffron surge. The alliances and number of fronts in the fray will also play a significant role in determining the outcome of the elections, with the DMK alliance standing to gain in a three-cornered fight.