Survey: PM Modi's Big Southern Push Failing?

The Zee News-MATRIZE Lok Sabha Opinion Poll sheds light on a challenging scenario for the Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the southern states of India.

Despite concerted efforts by Prime Minister Modi and the BJP to expand their footprint in the region, barring Karnataka, the saffron party's influence remains limited as the Lok Sabha polls approach.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has undertaken a significant southern push with visits to Kerala and Tamil Nadu on February 27-28, marking his third trip to the region this year. This proactive approach underscores the critical role of the southern states in the BJP's electoral strategy.

Earlier in the year, PM Modi commenced his southern tour by visiting Tamil Nadu, Lakshadweep, and Kerala on January 2-3. During this visit, he inaugurated various developmental projects of significant importance.

Furthermore, PM Modi embarked on an extensive 11-day tour of South India, visiting temples associated with the Ramayana ahead of the Ram Mandir's inauguration in Ayodhya on January 22.

During his recent two-day trip, the Prime Minister expressed confidence in the BJP's electoral prospects, foreseeing "double-digit" victories in Kerala and historic achievements in Tamil Nadu in the upcoming 2024 elections.

The BJP's performance in the southern states during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections was relatively modest, with the party securing only 29 out of 127 seats across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, and the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.

Notably, the majority of these victories came from Karnataka and Telangana, with the party struggling to make significant headway in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh.

In the upcoming polls, the BJP's strategic focus lies on 84 seats categorized as 'weak,' where the party has historically faced challenges in securing wins.

Securing victories in these constituencies is pivotal for the BJP to achieve its ambitious target of 370 seats for the party and over 400 seats for the NDA, as outlined by Prime Minister Modi during a recent rally in Jammu and Kashmir.

Interestingly, there are speculations within the BJP regarding PM Modi's frequent visits to the south, sparking rumours of his potential candidacy from a constituency in Tamil Nadu or a neighbouring state, in addition to his stronghold in Varanasi.

South India State-Wise Analysis Of Zee News-MATRIZE Poll

Tamil Nadu: The opinion poll forecasts 1 seat for the NDA and a significant haul of 36 seats for the Congress in Tamil Nadu.

Kerala: The INDIA bloc is anticipated to sweep all 20 seats in Kerala, highlighting the stronghold of regional parties in the state.

Telangana: The poll predicts 5 seats for the BJP and 9 seats for the Congress in Telangana, indicating a competitive electoral landscape.

Karnataka: The NDA is projected to gain momentum in Karnataka, with estimates indicating victory in 23 seats, while the Congress is expected to secure 5 seats.

Andhra Pradesh: The YSRCP is anticipated to secure 19 seats, with the TDP projected to win 6 seats, while the BJP and Congress may not secure any seats in the state.