Amit Shah’s Tamil Nadu Visit and Karnataka BJP Protests Continue

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to begin his visit to Tamil Nadu on Tuesday, with plans to engage in several key meetings with state BJP leaders. Shah's visit, ahead of the Assembly elections next year, is expected to focus on reviewing the BJP's organizational activities in the state. Sources suggest that the minister may also discuss potential alliance options in Tamil Nadu, particularly in light of the shifting political landscape.

Home Minister Amit Shah

The ruling DMK, known for its vocal opposition to the BJP-led Centre, has been raising national issues such as delimitation and the controversial three-language policy. These issues have sparked significant pushback from the party, and Shah’s visit is seen as an effort to solidify BJP's stance in the state.

An interesting development surrounding Shah’s visit is the thaw in the BJP's relationship with its former ally, the AIADMK. K Annamalai, the current state BJP chief who has been central to the party's falling out with the AIADMK in 2023, may be considering stepping down. While this change could be seen as a consequence of internal party dynamics, sources indicate that it may instead reflect the caste equations within the party.

Annamalai, known for his aggressive political approach, has given the BJP visibility in Tamil Nadu, though without significant electoral success thus far. Despite this, party leadership in Delhi reportedly sees a bright future for him, provided he aligns with the party's broader strategy. Recently, Annamalai made headlines by announcing that he would step down as state chief and continue his political journey as an "ordinary cadre," a move linked to the potential re-alliance with the AIADMK.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Annapurna Devi, responsible for Women and Child Development, is visiting Arunachal Pradesh from Tuesday. Her visit will focus on implementing the Centre’s Poshan Pakhwara initiatives and reviewing the progress of various schemes aimed at improving the state’s welfare programs.

Karnataka BJP Protests Against Congress Government

In Karnataka, the BJP continues to ramp up its opposition to the state’s Congress government. On Tuesday, the party will conclude the first phase of its state-wide protests, called the 'Janakrosha Yatra' (Public Outrage March), with rallies in Udupi and Chikkamagaluru. The BJP has already conducted similar protests across Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, Mandya, Hassan, Kodagu, and Mangaluru. These protests reflect the ongoing dissatisfaction within the party, as it seeks to put pressure on the state government over various issues.

As political tension rises in both Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, the coming days promise to be crucial for the BJP’s strategy and the state’s political climate ahead of the upcoming elections.