Optics is an integral part of Prime Minster Narendra Modi's persona and there is a southern focus to it, especially since the dawn of 2024. Apart from the calibrated electoral objective of winning seats in the five southern states and union territories, the southern focus is also to win a more symbolic battle.

Simply put, the question is, can present day India's most powerful political personality decisively transcend the North-South linguistic divide? A nagging question for the party and the Prime Minister in states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh, where they have had only marginal appeal.

Having reiterated his grip over the Hindi heartland and drumming up fervour as the Ram Mandir consecration approaches at Ayodhya, PM Modi has made three trips to southern states, featuring temple visits in traditional local attire to roadshows, announcement of projects and even snorkelling in Lakshadweep.

Embracing southern cultures has been a consistent theme, from the Sengol in parliament to events at the Kashi Tamil Sangam, and many other programmes. The test in 2024 is translating that into votes. This is not just about seats; this is as much about changing the southern narrative for the BJP and the PM's persona.

Historically, Hindutva has struggled to find a footing in southern states, which have been dominated by regional parties and strong linguistic identities born out of opposition to Hindi imposition. Even in Karnataka, the only southern state where the BJP has been in power,........

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