Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a strategic political move, inaugurated the second edition of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam at Namo Ghat in Varanasi. The event, spanning 15 days, has emerged as a pivotal platform for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as it grapples with challenges in the Southern states following recent Assembly election victories in the Hindi heartland.
The Tamil Kashi Sangamam is not merely a cultural celebration; it involves a comprehensive 15-day itinerary for participants from Tamil Nadu. The diverse groups, including students, teachers, professionals, spiritual leaders, farmers, artisans, writers, traders, and businessmen, undertake visits to Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya. This year’s event witnesses the arrival of multiple groups, emphasizing inclusivity.
The BJP, facing hurdles in establishing a political stronghold in Southern states, particularly Tamil Nadu, sees the Sangamam as an opportunity to connect with the region. Despite efforts, the party has struggled to establish meaningful links with influential figures in Southern social movements, contributing to its lack of headway in the Deccan plateau.
BJP’s attempts at cultural appropriation in Tamil Nadu, such as referencing revered figures like Subramaniya Bharathiyar and K Kamaraj, have not translated into electoral success. The party continues to grapple with accusations of Hindi imposition, as evident in the North-South binary discourse.
In a parallel move earlier this year, the BJP-led NDA government organized a Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam, underscoring its commitment to bridging the North-South gap.
As the BJP strategically utilizes the Kashi Tamil Sangamam to address its Southern challenges, the political landscape ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha Polls remains dynamic. The party’s efforts to forge connections and navigate language-related sensitivities will likely shape its electoral fortunes in the South.
Stay tuned for in-depth coverage and analysis of the political dynamics surrounding the Kashi Tamil Sangamam and its potential impact on the upcoming elections.
