BJP focuses on its ‘Mission South’

By Our Special Correspondent

The nomination of four prominent figures to the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday is seen as another push for the BJP in its mission south ahead of assembly polls in some states and the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

Sources said the nominations came after a month of deliberations in the party's think-tank and more such moves are being made keeping in mind the regional election issues.

A senior BJP official said that the states of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala are the main targets of the party in achieving Mission South. The source cited the nomination of PT Usha, a sprint queen from Kerala and a familiar name among voters.

Similarly, music composer Ilayaraja (Tamil Nadu), philanthropist Virendra Hedge (Karnataka) and noted story writer-director V. Vijayendra Prasad (Andhra is famous for producing films like Baahubali) are people recognized by voters for their works, the BJP leader said.

In politics, a former BJP MP who is close to the senior party leadership has an understanding of the issues that determine the outcome of voter battles.

The list from the South for the Upper House is a reflection of Modi's focus on selecting those who have delivered without controversy and have made a mark for themselves. Political analyst NKD Nambiar said their nominations will definitely have a positive impact on BJP's electoral success.

He said the party wants to project its reach in the five southern states—Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. These states together send 129 Lok Sabha MPs. Most of the 144 Lok Sabha constituencies that the BJP recently identified as 'weak' seats are in these five states.