Debunking the Myth: BJP Support in Tamil Nadu Beyond Brahmins and Upper Castes

There's a prevailing misconception that Brahmins and upper-caste members are the only supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tamil Nadu. However, a closer examination reveals a more nuanced and diverse picture of support for BJP across different communities. In this comprehensive analysis, we delve into the factors driving support for BJP beyond the upper castes.

A Covering Myth: Upper-Caste Predominance in BJP Support

It appears from a surface-level observation that Upper-caste and privileged individuals are the primary backers of BJP's ideals such as National Unity, Infrastructure Development, and Business-friendly laws. On the other hand, lower-caste communities often emphasize representation, access to education, healthcare, public safety, cultural preservation, and equitable career opportunities.

For upper-caste individuals, generational wealth and privilege have already provided them with ample access to these benefits. As a result, their interests are more advanced, making them more likely to fully support BJP.

BJP’s Support Base in Tamil Nadu

BJP itself is relatively smaller in Tamil Nadu. However, the party has substantial support from various castes, which we will explore below:

Hindu Nadars

The Hindu Nadars, particularly those in Kanyakumari and Nagercoil, form the single largest caste bloc supporting BJP in Tamil Nadu. Approximately 75% of Hindu Nadars in these districts vote for BJP. This strong base was largely created by a Hindu leader known as Thanulinga Nadar.

Krishnaveni Caste

The Krishnaveni caste, primarily based in Southern districts, is almost 90% Hindutva supporters and active field workers. This community plays a significant role in spreading BJP's ideologies.

Gounder Community in Kongu Region

The BJP enjoys considerable support among the Gounder community, especially in Coimbatore and Mettupalayam regions. While Gounders are primarily ADMK supporters, a significant portion of them are also Hindutva supporters and leaders. Community leaders like Gounder Easwaran and Manikandan have a strong alignment with BJP. Coimbatore is known for its religious sensitivity, and Hindu Munnani has a strong presence here, particularly in Mettupalayam and Tirupur areas, due to the support from the dominant caste groups.

Tamil Brahmins

Historically, the Tamil Brahmin community has supported the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and BJP in Tamil Nadu. Despite providing significant leadership and field workers, this community has not supported BJP in large numbers. Instead, they favored Jayalalitha-led ADMK, as she was considered a Brahmin and could effectively prevent the DMK from gaining power. While BJP has a substantial presence among Tamil Brahmins, the community as a whole did not vote for BJP en masse.

Devenkula Vellalars

Another caste that is showing close alignment with Hindutva ideology could be the Devendra Kula Vellalars in South Tamil Nadu. This group has a growing interest in BJP's Hindutva message and is worth watching for future elections.

Conclusion

In conclusion, BJP support in Tamil Nadu is not limited to Brahmins and upper castes. Various communities, such as Hindu Nadars, Krishnaveni caste, Gounders, and Devendra Kula Vellalars, have shown significant support for BJP. Understanding these diverse support bases is crucial for comprehending the political landscape in Tamil Nadu and beyond.