In an exclusive interview with our reporter on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence in a “historic” victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 2024 Lok Sabha election. Modi emphasized his expectations from the southern states, a region where the BJP has traditionally faced challenges.
In the 2019 elections, the BJP struggled in southern India, failing to win any seats in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, and securing only four out of 17 seats in Telangana. The party’s significant success came from Karnataka, where it won 25 of the 28 seats. This time, the BJP aims to surpass its previous achievements, targeting 370+ seats for the party alone, under the campaign slogan ‘abki baar, 400 paar’.
Campaign Efforts in Southern States
To strengthen its position in the south, Modi has launched an intensive campaign, including nearly a dozen visits to Tamil Nadu. Despite the AIADMK withdrawing from the alliance, the BJP remains optimistic. Modi has also made multiple visits to Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, where he has criticized the Congress and the INDIA opposition bloc, which secured 60 out of the 129 seats from these states in the previous elections.
Modi highlighted the BJP’s success in fostering development and peace, especially in previously troubled areas. He referred to the transformation of the ‘red corridor’ from Pashupati to Tirupati, emphasizing the reduction in Naxal activities and the resultant peace and development.
Expectations from the North-Eastern States
In addition to the southern states, Modi is confident of the BJP’s performance in the north-eastern states. In 2019, the BJP won 14 out of 24 seats on its own in these states, with the tally increasing to 18 when including NDA allies. The BJP aims to improve its presence and success in this region.
Narendra Modi dismissed claims that his expectations might be seen as overconfidence, stating, “I do not live in overconfidence. I am a person who has his ear to the ground.” He emphasized the BJP’s widespread acceptance across all regions of India, attributing this to the government’s effective governance and developmental initiatives.
Amit Shah Echoes Optimism
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in a separate exclusive interview with NDTV, echoed Modi’s confidence, predicting a “huge victory” for the BJP, especially in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu.
The 2024 Lok Sabha election is being conducted in seven phases. With five phases completed, the sixth phase, including Delhi, is scheduled for May 25, and the seventh phase, including Modi’s constituency of Varanasi, will take place on June 1. The election results are expected to be announced on June 4.
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