Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been a dominant figure in Indian politics for the past ten years, but he has struggled to win over the wealthier southern region of the country. Five states in southern India, which represent a significant portion of the country’s population and economy, have not been swayed by Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party’s Hindu-nationalist agenda. Despite the BJP’s widespread support in northern India, it has faced rejection in the south, where voters and leaders have different priorities, including greater recognition of the region’s economic contributions and progressive politics.
As over 50 countries gear up for elections in 2024, Modi is expected to secure another term as prime minister. However, the BJP’s struggle in the southern states could limit Modi’s ability to unite the entire country behind his agenda of promoting one religion and language over others. Southern voters feel betrayed by the government’s preferential treatment of poorer northern states and are wary of the injection of religion into politics. Their diverse and multilingual communities have different needs and are more focused on issues related to economic development and social welfare.
Modi has been campaigning aggressively in the south in an effort to secure a two-thirds majority in the lower house of parliament, which could allow the BJP to push through constitutional changes aligned with its Hindu-centric goals. However, experts are skeptical of the BJP’s chances in the southern states due to the deep-rooted presence of regional political parties that pose strong competition. Despite Modi’s efforts to appeal to southern voters through language and cultural gestures, there remains skepticism among locals about the BJP’s initiatives that could jeopardize the region’s history of progressive politics and social justice movements.
Unlike in other parts of India, where religious fervor plays a significant role in politics, southern Indian states have a more nuanced approach to religion and are less likely to allow it to be weaponized for political gain. The region’s focus on economic growth and industrial development has attracted global technology companies and investors who prioritize peace and stability. Leaders in the south fear that Modi’s Hindu-nationalist rhetoric could create unrest and harm the region’s reputation as a safe destination for businesses. While Modi emphasizes economic development during his visits to the south, tensions persist over the redistribution of wealth from prosperous southern states to less developed northern regions.
The southern states of India, with their industrialized economies and educated workforce, have become key hubs for global players in tech and manufacturing. However, political leaders in the region feel overlooked by the Modi government, which they believe prioritizes the interests of northern states where the BJP enjoys more support. Southern leaders have raised concerns about the government’s lack of investment in the region, misuse of federal agencies for political purposes, and neglect in providing emergency relief during disasters. The resistance against the BJP and Modi in the south is seen as a fight for preserving the region’s autonomy and identity, amidst fears of being reduced to a subordinate position if the BJP’s majority grows.
