In a surprising turn of events, members of the ASMD New Anglican Synod, representing a section of the Christian community in Tamil Nadu, have decided to throw their support behind the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. This unexpected move threatens to disrupt the traditional vote bank of the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), which has historically garnered significant support from minority communities, including Christians and Muslims, in the state.
The decision to back the BJP was announced by ASMD New Anglican Synod General Secretary Daniel Chakravarthy during an interaction with the media in Chennai. Chakravarthy expressed strong dissatisfaction with the ruling DMK government, accusing it of neglecting and mistreating the Christian community. He characterised the DMK’s treatment as “stepmotherly” and highlighted the community’s unhappiness with the party. Citing the BJP’s impartial treatment of Christians, Chakravarthy declared the community’s decision to shift its support from the DMK to the BJP.
Christian pastors say we will vote for Modi and that they are sick and tired of Dravidian parties ! They believe in @narendramodi ji’s guarantee 💪🏼❤️🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/Pawg4beZI4
— karthik gopinath (@karthikgnath) February 29, 2024
Chakravarthy contended that the Dravidian movement, historically influential in Tamil Nadu politics, had betrayed the Christian community, and trust in the movement could no longer be extended. He emphasised that support for the BJP would extend beyond the Lok Sabha elections and carry into the upcoming 2026 state legislative assemblies.
He asserted, “Christians will no longer be disillusioned by the Dravidian movements, nor will they support them.” Chakravarthy criticised the Dravidian parties for alleged corruption and deceptive practices, stating, “By voting for Dravidian parties again and again, they loot our money and hide it in the coffins.”
Chakravarthy expressed admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governance, administrative skills, and India’s achievements under his leadership, citing the country’s advancements in space exploration and welfare projects. He declared the community’s support for the BJP and Prime Minister Modi, while also leaving room for future evaluations, stating, “If they do a mistake tomorrow, we will throw them too.”
The decision to support the BJP was framed as a rejection of the Dravidian movements and an embrace of the BJP’s principles. Chakravarthy highlighted the endorsement of former police officer and Tamil Nadu BJP leader Annamalai IPS, who has gained popularity for his state-wide yatra.
The announcement by the ASMD New Anglican Synod comes in the wake of efforts to name Chennimalai as Yesu Hillock, a move that faced opposition. Archbishop Gunasekaran Samuel of the Anglican Church of South India and North India Missionary Diocese issued an apology video on behalf of Christians to Hindus for praying on the Chennimalai Hill.
Apart from the ASMD New Anglican Synod, some other Christian denominations have also expressed support for the BJP, applauding its welfare projects. Additionally, there are reports of support from certain sections of the Muslim community, particularly women, openly endorsing the BJP, Modi, and Annamalai during his recent yatra.
This unexpected shift in political allegiances within minority communities introduces a new dynamic to the political landscape of Tamil Nadu. As the state gears up for the Lok Sabha polls, the BJP’s efforts to broaden its support base and the reactions from traditionally supportive communities will be closely watched. The ASMD New Anglican Synod’s decision may signal changing political currents and challenges for established political players in the state.
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