Tamil Nadu’s religious landscape resists Brahminical Hinduism – The state’s culture includes the Bhakti movement, temples, devotional literature and Sangam poetry, yet its socio‑religious tradition is deeply anti‑Brahmin and hostile to Sanskritic rituals, preventing the BJP from converting religious Hindus into political supporters [1].
Sectarian identities outweigh pan‑Hindu consciousness – Supreme Court‑appointed mediation in the Vadakalai‑Tenkalai Vaishnavite dispute and historic Shaivite‑Vaishnavite antagonism illustrate fragmented Hindu identities that limit a unified Hindu vote for the BJP [1].
Dravidian movement’s anti‑Brahmin roots block BJP appeal – Originating from conflicts between Brahmins and Vellalas, the movement was shaped by educated Vellala leaders who opposed Brahminical dominance, and even when some supported rationalist causes they resisted attacks on Shaivite traditions, reinforcing resistance to BJP’s ideology [1].
AIADMK’s “soft Hindutva” pre‑empted BJP’s niche – Founded by M.G. Ramachandran, who promoted goddess Mookambika, and later led by Jayalalithaa who sent bricks for the Ayodhya Ram temple, the AIADMK occupied the space of Hindu symbolism within Dravidian politics, leaving no clear opening for the BJP [1].
BJP’s stance on Tamil‑language puja and priesthood alienated voters – When demands arose for conducting pujas in Tamil and appointing non‑Brahmin priests, BJP leaders opposed them, contradicting local expectations and further distancing the party from the state’s ethos [1].
Central government’s development shortfall reinforced Dravidian dominance – The BJP‑led government has failed to proactively implement major schemes in Tamil Nadu, while Dravidian parties maintain strong organisational bases and cultural legitimacy, keeping the BJP marginalised [1].