In a recent interview, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a candid assessment of the governments in south India, expressing optimism about the BJP’s growing support in the region leading up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Addressing the misconception that the BJP is primarily an upper-caste party, PM Modi stated, “For too long, there has been a narrative that the BJP is synonymous with the upper caste. However, the reality is quite different. The BJP boasts a significant representation of scheduled castes (SCs), scheduled tribes (STs), and other backward classes (OBCs), including in our ministry. We are, in fact, predominantly a party of the rural populace.” He went on to challenge the perception of the BJP being an outdated party, highlighting its leadership in the global digital movement.
Discussing the BJP’s electoral performance in southern states, PM Modi remarked, “Take Telangana, for instance, where our vote share has doubled since the last parliamentary elections in 2019. In fact, the BJP emerged as the single largest party in the South during that election.”
Turning to regional issues, PM Modi condemned corruption within cooperative banks in Kerala, promising decisive action against those involved. He also emphasized the BJP’s commitment to equitable development and dismissed accusations of neglect towards states like Karnataka and Kerala.
“When it comes to the governments in the South, whether it’s the Congress, the LDF (Left Democratic Front), or the DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam), what defines them? Today, the BJP is in power in Puducherry, a southern territory. It’s important to recognize that we are governing there. Additionally, our MPs are successful in Andaman and Nicobar, where a significant population of our south Indian and Bengali brethren reside. This simplistic portrayal of our party is inaccurate,” PM Modi stated.
He continued, “Our focus has always been on serving every part of the country, regardless of political gain. We’ve had a longstanding commitment to Kerala, exemplified by the Jana Sangh’s largest national convention held in the state in 1967. Kerala, like other areas we serve, receives our dedicated attention. Despite facing challenges, including tragic losses of our workers to political violence, we remain committed to serving Maa Bharti (Mother India).”
Discussing corruption, PM Modi remarked on the prevalence of corruption in Kerala, attributing its persistence to an ecosystem that shields wrongdoers. He drew parallels with Tripura, where the BJP’s rise to power revealed decades of corruption under left-wing rule.
“In states like Tripura, Bengal, and Kerala, corruption runs deep, yet an entrenched ecosystem protects these wrongdoings from coming to light. The BJP’s success in Tripura demonstrates how people are recognizing and rejecting this corruption, leading to repeated victories for our party,” PM Modi concluded.
