BackPOLITICS
South remains elusive for BJP despite gains in other states: What data shows
The BJP has expanded its footprint in several states, now governing in 22 of 31 states and UTs with 1,798 legislators, but continues to struggle in the South. The article outlines mixed results: wins in West Bengal and Assam, while Tamil Nadu and Kerala yielded limited gains, and Karnataka remains a future target for 2028.
Why It Matters
The piece highlights the challenges of expanding a national party into the culturally distinct southern states, which affects national political dynamics and coalition potential.
Timeline
9 Events
May 5, 2026: Current footprint—22 states/UTs with BJP in power
May 5, 2026
BJP is in power, either on its own or with allies, in 22 of the 31 states and union territories.
May 5, 2026: Karnataka in 2028 plan
May 5, 2026
BJP leaders say the party hopes to regain Karnataka in 2028.
May 5, 2026: South states remain challenging for BJP
May 5, 2026
The article notes that despite gains elsewhere, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Kerala have not yielded electoral breakthroughs for the BJP.
May 5, 2026: BJP in power in Odisha and West Bengal
May 5, 2026
The BJP is described as being in power in Odisha and West Bengal (with West Bengal described as a recent win).
May 5, 2026: BJP legislative strength reaches 1,798
May 5, 2026
The party's total number of legislators across the country is stated to have risen to 1,798, up from 773 in 2013.
May 4, 2026: Kerala results – 3 seats, 11.43% vote share
May 4, 2026
In Kerala, BJP won three seats, its highest ever in the state, with an stand-alone vote share of 11.43% (NDA roughly 14%).
May 4, 2026: Tamil Nadu results – 1 seat, 2.97% vote share
May 4, 2026
The BJP won one seat in Tamil Nadu and secured 2.97% of the vote share; the party failed to gain a toehold in the state.
2016 plan to expand south and east (Coromandel belt)
2016
In 2016, the party drew up a plan to overcome barriers in the southern and eastern states that made up the Coromandel belt to expand its footprint.
2013 baseline: BJP legislature count
2013
The article notes that the number of BJP legislators across the country stood at 773 in 2013.