New Veer Savarkar T-Shirt + Updates From ElectionsHQ

Introducing The Veer Savarkar Tribute T-shirt

Dear reader,

At Swarajya, we're passionate about bringing India's unsung heroes into the limelight, and our new Veer Savarkar T-shirt is one step in that direction.

We believe it's never too late to celebrate the heroes who shaped our history, yet remained in the shadows. Savarkar, often misunderstood, represents resilience and the fiery quest for freedom.

Our revolutionary collection of T-shirts aims to bring these stories to the forefront.

They are fresh off the press. Order yours now via this link. It costs just ₹549.

DMK's Coimbatore Gamble

Coimbatore and by extension Kongu Nadu region have traditionally eluded DMK

Now, DMK has decided to field its candidate from Coimbatore which is currently held by its ally CPI(M)

DMK’s Raison d'être

Strategic move to prove a point in the historically AIADMK-dominated Kongu region

Dissatisfaction with P R Natarajan, the incumbent MP from CPI(M)

Electoral Trends in Kongu region

2014 LS elections: BJP, AIADMK, DMK, Congress, CPI(M) fought separately and AIADMK swept the polls with even BJP+ winning 2 seats in the region

2016 Assembly polls: AIADMK swept the region

2019 LS elections: was an aberration when AIADMK was in a disarray due to infighting after death of Jayalalitha

2021 Assembly polls: AIADMK-BJP combine won more than 60% of the Kongu Nadu seats

The Coimbatore Showdown

Both BJP and AIADMK are dominant in Coimbatore.

BJP state president K Annamalai who has been fielded from Coimbatore asserted that BJP would win the Kongu region – Coimbatore, Pollachi, the Nilgiris, Tirupur, Erode

Annamalai’s Road To Delhi Via Coimbatore

BJP has fielded its TN state chief K Annamalai from Coimbatore, a BJP & AIADMK bastion.

However these parties are not allies unlike in 2014, when AIADMK got 37.2% votes and BJP 33.6%.

In 2019 as allies, BJP’s C P Radhakrishnan secured 31.4% votes. But this was amidst a strong anti-Modi wave, a weak AIADMK, and entry of Kamal Haasan's Makkal Neethi Maiam, which got 11.6%.

As a result, DMK swept the state.

Annamalai’s Rural, Tripolar, Minority Challenge

Of Coimbatore LS seat’s six assembly segments, 3 segments - Palladam, Sulur, & Kavundampalayam have rural & semi-urban pockets. The rest is urban.

While anti-Modi wave, especially strong in rural areas has subsided, AIADMK & DMK have staunch voters in rural areas. AIADMK has sitting MLAs & good ground level leaders. BJP is working to entrench 'Lotus' in people’s minds.

Is the battle only between Annamalai & AIADMK’s Ramachandran as the DMK candidate Ganapathy Rajkumar is seen to be weaker and less known?

Meanwhile, former allies AIADMK-BJP accuse each other of being in cahoots with DMK whose vote bank includes committed ideological voters and minorities. AIADMK’s Palaniswami has made considerable efforts to woo the latter.

Either the Muslim votes will split between DMK & AIADMK or consolidate behind either one to defeat Annamalai. AIADMK’s MLA S P Velumani is a strongman in Coimbatore with good local connect.

He has a strong loyal cadre and thus, is tough to beat.

Annamalai’s Advantages

Annamalai’s personal popularity; BJP’s core voters; ‘Modi Premium’ as PM too is on ballot; delivery of central schemes (PM Awas, Jal Jeevan, MUDRA loans); BJP gaining traction across strata (rich, middle class, poor); corruption taint on DMK; weakened AIADMK.

Meanwhile, Annamalai has already stated that he would be the city’s hotline to the Centre.

SDPI puts Congress in a fix in Kerala as CPIM & BJP look to reap dividends!

Congress is in a fix in Kerala after the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) offered its support to Congress-led UDF. SDPI is the political wing of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI).

SDPI state president Muvattupuzha Ashraf Moulavi said they support UDF due to national dynamics where there is “a strong political sentiment” against BJP and also Congress’ caste census promise.

UDF convenor MM Hassan said “we cannot say no to SDPI votes... every vote is precious... of equal value”. But Congress’ V D Satheesan said, “we will not have any understanding with any extremist outfit”.

The Muslim Vote?

This has drawn scrutiny due to PFI’s association with radical Islam and terrorism, with BJP criticizing the Congress for considering SDPI's support and not taking a clear stand. However, Congress cannot outrightly reject SDPI, as it doesn't want to lose the Muslim votes to LDF. CPI(M) led LDF is trying to win over Muslims. It has organised rallies against CAA while keeping away the radical groups.

The Christian Vote?

Ban on PFI is a prominent plank that BJP is using to entice Christians in Kerala by addressing their fears of growing Islamic fundamentalism. Congress is cautious about SDPI’s support as it can alienate Christians who match Muslims in numerical strength in the state.

In Kerala, PFI is accused in several cases like chopping the palm of a college professor and attacking a Christian priest in Kottayam.

BJP On Front Foot?

Even as Congress and CPI(M) tread carefully on the issue, the BJP seems to be reaping the situation by standing firmly behind the Christian community.

BJP state president K Surendran asked Rahul Gandhi himself to make his stand clear as PFI is engaged in killing Hindus & Christians and in several riots.

He said, “UDF is taking the support of religious extremists in Kerala, including Wayanad, where Rahul is contesting”.