Why Don't Tamilians Support the BJP?
The relationship between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Tamilians in Tamil Nadu has been a subject of numerous discussions and debates. This article attempts to explore historical, socio-political, and contemporary reasons for the lack of support for the BJP among Tamilians in Tamil Nadu.
Historical Context
From the pre-independence era to the modern political landscape, the Tamil Nadu electorate has shown a clear inclination towards parties that reflect their cultural and social values. During the early 20th century, Brahmin dominance in positions such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) significantly influenced the governance of Tamil Nadu. While only 2% of the population is Brahmin, their control over key administrative roles led to a sense of alienation among the lower castes.
Furthermore, the establishment of parties like Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (ADMK) and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) can be traced back to this historical context. These parties emerged partly in response to the perceived dominance and biases of the upper castes, including Brahmins. The cultural and political environment of Tamil Nadu has been shaped by these historical factors, which continue to influence contemporary political affiliations.
Cultural and Social Ties
Tamil Nadu is known for its rich cultural heritage and linguistic pride. The state has a strong affinity for the Tamil language and its rich literary and cultural traditions. One can trace the anti-Brahmin sentiment in Tamil Nadu to the base that the upper castes have wielded power over language and cultural institutions. This sentiment has been strengthened by the support for Dravidian parties that emphasize Tamil identity and culture.
Contemporary Political Realities
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP has faced significant challenges in gaining traction in Tamil Nadu. One of the key reasons is the perception that the BJP, particularly through its spokesperson and minister Venkatesh, has been a voice for Brahmin interests. In the context of Tamil Nadu, BJP is often perceived as a Brahmin-controlled party, which alienates many voters from the lower and middle castes.
Language and Cultural Issues
Despite receiving significant allocations for linguistic development, the state feels underfunded. For instance, in the last nine years since 2014, the Union Government allotted Rs. 74 crore for Tamil Nadu's language, and Rs. 1488 crore for Sanskrit, which seemed insufficient to many. The state government considers this a reflection of the BJP's inadequate support for cultural and linguistic rights.
Nationalist and Religious Implications
Prime Minister Modi and his government have been heavily criticized for their nationalistic and religious policies. The Bharatiya Janata Party's push for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), and the conflation of religion and politics has not only been seen as against the secular fabric of the country but also as a direct attack on minority religions and cultures.
The issue of the destruction of churches in Manipur, the anti-Christian rallies in Meghalaya, and the communal violence in other regions further fuel skepticism towards the BJP. These perceived mistakes and mishandlings of religious issues have alienated a substantial segment of the population in Tamil Nadu, making them oppose the BJP.
Political Cooperation and Inefforts
Despite continuous attempts at political cooperation, the BJP has failed to impress the Tamil Nadu electorate. During the pandemic, for instance, Prime Minister Modi's government did not provide much-needed economic relief, which was compounded by the state's struggles in managing the crisis. Political figures like Jayalalithaa and her successor N. Annadurai's strong political instincts have made cooperation with the ruling party difficult.
The narrative that has developed against the BJP is rooted in a belief that it disregards the interests of poor states, including the Dravidian states. Recent revenue policies and development strategies have not shown significant improvement, leading to a perception that the BJP is an inefficient and misguided ruling party.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the lack of support for the BJP in Tamil Nadu can be attributed to a combination of historical, cultural, and contemporary political factors. From the influence of Brahmins in the colonial era, the rise of Dravidian parties, and the current socio-political climate, Tamilians in Tamil Nadu have formed a strong political identity that resists the BJP's agenda and policies.
While the BJP has made some gains in recent assembly elections, the overall sentiment remains anti-BJP. The state's political landscape is likely to continue to resist the BJP's influence, driven by a multitude of social, cultural, and economic factors.