Why Is BJP Eager To Ally With PMK In Tamil Nadu? Reply Lies In Caste Arithmetic

Final Up to date:June 09, 2025, 11:15 IST

BJP sources informed News18 that the celebration is eager on a patch-up between Ramadoss and his son Anbumani and desires to seal the deal by June-end

The Bharatiya Janata Celebration (BJP), which sealed its cope with AIADMK in Tamil Nadu in April this yr—with Union Residence Minister Amit Shah declaring {that a} “coalition authorities” could be shaped after the elections— now has its eyes on a smaller ally, the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK).

Actually, RSS ideologue S Gurumurthy’s essential visits to the residence of senior Ramadoss are being seen as efforts to deliver the 2 warring factions of the PMK—founder S Ramadoss’s camp and that of his son Anbumani Ramadoss—to a typical floor in order that the NDA deal may be sealed.

Within the 2024 Lok Sabha election, PMK fought throughout 10 constituencies however did not win any seats. PMK got here second in a single seat (Dharmapuri), third in eight seats, and fourth in a single seat. So, why then is the BJP so eager to ally with such a small participant?

Regardless of losses, the PMK secured a vote share of roughly 4.33 per cent throughout the ten constituencies in 2024. The celebration additionally holds notable political significance in Tamil Nadu, primarily as a regional celebration representing the Vanniyar group, which varieties a good portion of the state’s inhabitants, particularly in northern and western districts.

Based in 1989 by Dr S Ramadoss, PMK is a key advocate for the Vanniyar group, a Most Backward Class (MBC) group. The celebration’s sturdy maintain in districts like Dharmapuri, Cuddalore, Villupuram, and Salem makes it a important participant in mobilising Vanniyar votes, which may be decisive in shut contests. In a state the place the BJP is seen as “celebration of Savarna” or higher caste, an ally like PMK will take away numerous DMK’s caste-based rhetoric throughout campaigning in Tamil Nadu, BJP sources reveal.

Furthermore, at a time when Tamil Nadu is witnessing rejuvenation of caste-based advocacy, having outfits like PMK—which efficiently pushed for 10.5 per cent unique reservation for Vanniyars inside the MBC quota in 2021 (although this was later struck down by the Supreme Court docket)—will assist the BJP will get mainstreamed in Tamil Nadu politics, its state models imagine.

“PMK has its personal makes use of and its personal limitations, like its affect is restricted to northern Tamil Nadu alone. However we’re approaching this election with a special mindset the place we wish to assume PMK’s pursuits and NDA’s pursuits would align higher with one another,” stated a BJP supply.

However earlier than the PMK aligns with NDA, the previous should resolve who will head it. Dr Ramadoss just lately accused his son Anbumani of forcing him to hitch the NDA through the 2024 Lok Sabha elections by which PMK couldn’t win a single seat. Although back-channel talks are on the place Gurumurthy and Chennai mayor Saidai Duraiswamy visited the senior Ramadoss who needs his son to relinquish the facility of being the pinnacle of the celebration, Gurumurthy claimed he met the senior Ramadoss as his “buddy”. Curiously although, simply earlier than his assembly with senior Ramadoss, Anbumani went and met his father.

BJP sources informed News18 they’d have favored the patch-up between the father-son duo to occur on a day when Shah was within the state. The house minister addressed the state core committee and even wooed Tamil sentiments by saying: “I apologise to my BJP employees of Tamil Nadu as I can’t discuss to them in one of many best languages of India—Tamil.”

Earlier than Shah left the state, away from Madurai the place BJP’s assembly was in full swing, senior Ramadoss informed reporters they will count on “excellent news” concerning the patch-up between him and his son. BJP sources counsel “an association has been mutually agreed” the place the daddy will grow to be the celebration president and the son will grow to be the working president.

“The earlier they shake arms, the higher as BJP wish to seal the alliance earlier than June ends,” stated a BJP supply.

Within the 2021 Tamil Nadu legislative meeting election, the alliance led by the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and together with the BJP and PMK, received 75 seats out of the 234 whole constituencies. The AIADMK secured 66 seats, the BJP received 4 seats, and the PMK received 5 seats.

Anindya Banerjee

Anindya Banerjee, Affiliate Editor brings over fifteen years of journalistic braveness to the forefront. With a eager give attention to politics and coverage, Anindya has garnered a wealth of expertise, with deep throat in …Learn Extra

Anindya Banerjee, Affiliate Editor brings over fifteen years of journalistic braveness to the forefront. With a eager give attention to politics and coverage, Anindya has garnered a wealth of expertise, with deep throat in … Learn Extra

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