Shashi Tharoor, a senior Congress leader, has criticized the BJP's claims of strong performance in south India, dismissing them as products of the BJP's propaganda machinery. He noted that the BJP's narratives centered around communalism, religious division, and nativist social cleavages, which resonate in the north, are not as effective in the southern region.
Tharoor highlighted that despite the BJP's focus on development ('vikas'), the southern states, which have witnessed significant developmental progress, are less receptive to the BJP's agenda. He emphasized that the BJP's attempts to dominate with the narrative of "Hindi, Hindutva, Hindustan" pose a dangerous threat to India's plural consciousness.
Regarding the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Tharoor acknowledged that while the battle for India's soul is ongoing, the forces of national unity have historically prevailed over challenges to the country's essential secularism. However, he characterized the current election as a vital phase in this ongoing battle.
Tharoor also criticized the BJP's politicization of religion, particularly its appropriation of Lord Ram, and questioned the party's credibility in claiming a "Ram Mandir wave." He stressed that substantive issues such as unemployment, price rise, and communal hatred are more significant to voters than religious symbolism.
Regarding the BJP's attempts to make inroads into the South, Tharoor stated that the BJP's claims of exemplary performance in southern states are merely propaganda. He pointed out the BJP's failure to fulfill promises made to Kerala and highlighted the region's high scores in social indicators such as education, literacy, and social harmony, which contribute to its resistance to the BJP's divisive narratives.
Tharoor also criticized the BJP's handling of federalism, accusing the party of favoring the Union government over state governments, particularly those not ruled by the BJP. He raised concerns about the BJP's intentions regarding the South after the 91st Amendment lapses in 2026 and questioned whether the BJP has a sensible policy response to address the region's concerns about being marginalized.
