CHENNAI: The BJP has spread its reach in municipalities and town panchayats in 28 districts, and not just in its perceived traditional strongholds like Kanyakumari.
The party recorded victories in northern districts too such as Ariyalur, Krishnagiri, Ranipet and Vellore. It opened its account in Greater Chennai Corporation with Usha Anandhan, who was fielded in the 134th ward, defeating her Congress rival. The BJP has surpassed its 2011 performance of 272 seats.
The BJP leadership took a call to go solo and opted for a ‘friendly contest’ with the AIADMK in the western belt. “This election is a turning point for the BJP. There will be a new perspective in Tamil Nadu politics now. The chances of BJP providing ‘Kamaraj rule’ in the state are very bright now,” former Union minister Pon Radhakrishnan told TOI.
The party contested in the DMK alliance in 2001 local body polls and went alone in the subsequent elections in 2006 and 2011.
Though Congress won more seats in the company of DMK and got the third spot, the BJP contested alone and won one or two wards in areas where it had little presence.
The party now boasts of victories in Cuddalore, Madurai, Kancheepuram,Hosur, Thanjavur, Dindigul, Sivakasiand Vellore as well. The leaders saythat the Hindutva push given by the party has had some impact in the state.
