The BJP, which has been trying hard to make inroads in Tamil Nadu and Kerala politics, will gain a few seats from the two South Indian states in the Lok Sabha elections, as per prominent economist Surjit Bhalla.
In an interview with NDTV, Bhalla said that the ruling party might win 330-350 seats in the elections which began last Friday. “Based on statistical possibility, they should get 330 to 350 seats on their own. This is just the BJP, not including its alliance partners,” the news channel quoted Bhalla as saying.
He has claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP might gain a 5 to 7 per cent rise in seats when compared to the last general elections. Notably, he has predicted the ruling party to win five seats in Tamil Nadu.
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In 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP had drawn a blank in Tamil Nadu while winning just 1 seat in the 2014 general elections. However, the BJP has put in its best efforts in the 2024 elections and hoping to win a few seats this time.
Pre-poll surveys, conducted before the silent period, claimed that the BJP would possibly emerge as the second-largest party in Tamil Nadu. Its vote share is expected to cross the double-digit mark.
“I won’t be surprised if, of all the places, the BJP in Tamil Nadu gain over five seats. In Kerala, maybe one or two,” Bhalla added.
On April 19, the elections for the 39 Lok Sabha seats were held across Tamil Nadu. The polling for the 20 seats in Kerala will be held, this week.
Even in Kerala, the party had failed to open an account, last time. This time, the BJP is hoping to win a few including the Thiruvananthapuram seat where Rajeev Chandrashekhar is taking on Shashi Tharoor.
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As far as the Congress is concerned, the grand old party might win 44 seats.
“The problem with the (Opposition) alliance is the leadership. The economy matters the most, the leadership matters second. And both of them are in favour of the BJP. If the Opposition had selected a leader who could have a mass appeal or approximating half the appeal that Prime Minister Modi has, then I think it could be a contest,” Bhalla added.
Prakash KL Oneindia
