Khushboo Agrahari meets Amar Prasad Reddy, the new BJP State Secretary of Tamil Nadu, to know more about the party’s strategy for the 2026 elections. Reddy outlined plans for booth-level mobilisation, youth engagement, and tech-driven outreach to strengthen the BJP’s presence in Tamil Nadu. He also shared his strategy to overcome cultural barriers, balancing national and regional narratives, and Reddy’s vision for the BJP to become a decisive force in the state
As the countdown to the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections begins, Amar Prasad Reddy, the newly appointed State Secretary of Tamil Nadu BJP, is steering the party into its most decisive phase yet. From his early days as a grassroots karyakarta to serving as Advisor to the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, GoI, and Former Chairman of the Special Olympics International Football Championship & TN Paralympics.
Guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Seva, Sushasan, and Garib Kalyan, his 2026 game plan is clear — strengthen every booth, break cultural misconceptions, and align Tamil pride with BJP’s national growth narrative. Reddy outlines how booth-level mobilisation, youth engagement, and tech-driven outreach will be the pillars of BJP’s push for a historic breakthrough in Tamil Nadu.
Firstly congratulations on your new role as State Secretary, What does this responsibility mean to you personally, and how do you plan to use your experience to strengthen the BJP in Tamil Nadu?
Thank you. This role is a sacred responsibility for me — a chance to translate my years of grassroots work into statewide impact. Guided by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji’s vision of Seva, Sushasan, and Garib Kalyan, I will strengthen BJP at every booth in Tamil Nadu. My priority is to build a people’s movement that connects directly with the aspirations of Tamilians, and to prepare our organisation for a decisive breakthrough in 2026.
You’ve been known for your dynamic and grassroots-level involvement with the BJP. How has your journey within the party shaped your approach to leadership and political strategy?
I began as an ordinary karyakarta, working shoulder-to-shoulder with the people, solving local issues, and organising campaigns at the ground level. That experience taught me that politics is about listening before leading. My leadership style is rooted in empowering teams, decentralising decision-making, and ensuring that our karyakartas feel ownership of the mission.
What core values and principles drive your political vision, especially in a state with such a distinct political identity like Tamil Nadu?
My vision is built on nationalism, cultural pride, and inclusive growth. I believe Tamil Nadu’s identity and India’s identity are not separate — they are interwoven. Under PM Modi ji’s leadership, we can both preserve our heritage and make Tamil Nadu a global leader in industry, education, and technology.
With the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections approaching, what is the BJP’s ground strategy under your leadership to expand its presence in the state?
Our approach is simple — Booth Jeeto, Chunav Jeeto. We are building strong booth committees, identifying community influencers, and increasing direct voter engagement. My focus is to make every booth a functional problem-solving unit that wins trust before it wins votes.
The BJP has traditionally faced challenges in gaining strong electoral traction in the state. How are you planning to overcome ideological and cultural barriers to make the party more acceptable to the masses?
We will break misconceptions by showing BJP’s deep respect for Tamil culture, language, and traditions. PM Modi ji himself has honoured Tamil heritage on global platforms, and I will ensure that message is amplified across the state.
Is the BJP focusing more on strengthening its booth-level operations and local leadership in rural Tamil Nadu, or are you eyeing strategic urban constituencies?
Both. Rural Tamil Nadu is critical for mass connect, and urban areas are where political narratives are shaped. I’m building dedicated rural teams while launching targeted urban outreach to attract first-time and middle-class voters.
How is the party preparing to counter the strong Dravidian narrative while still respecting Tamil pride and culture?
By showing that Tamil pride is strongest when Tamil Nadu is strong within India. PM Modi ji’s initiatives — from Kashi Tamil Sangamam to promoting Tamil internationally — prove that our culture is celebrated, not sidelined, under BJP.
Can we expect any major alliance announcements or realignments ahead of the 2026 elections? How important will coalition politics be for the BJP in Tamil Nadu?
Alliances are a strategic call taken by the leadership. My priority is to build BJP’s independent strength so that we negotiate alliances from a position of confidence.
You’ve been actively involved in youth outreach. What role do you see Tamil Nadu’s youth playing in the 2026 elections, and how is the BJP engaging with first-time voters?
The youth will decide 2026. We are engaging them through skill-building programs, entrepreneurship platforms, sports events, and technology-driven initiatives. I want young people to see BJP as the party of ambition, innovation, and opportunity.
Is the party investing in digital outreach and tech-driven campaigns in Tamil Nadu? What innovations are being introduced under your leadership?
Yes. We are deploying AI-based voter analysis, geo-targeted messaging, and volunteer apps. Digital storytelling will be a major tool — using short, impactful content to highlight BJP’s work in Tamil Nadu and the nation.
How do you strike a balance between the national BJP narrative and the regional sentiments of Tamil Nadu?
By aligning the two. PM Modi ji has consistently honoured Tamil Nadu’s heritage, and I will make sure every voter sees that respect translated into action locally. The people must feel that Tamil Nadu’s growth and India’s growth are one mission.
13. Tamil Nadu politics has always been personality-driven. Do you see the rise of a strong regional face for BJP in Tamil Nadu, and who could that be?
BJP is building a team of strong leaders who can represent Tamil Nadu’s aspirations at both state and national levels. I aim to be one of those leaders — a voice that can inspire, organise, and deliver results.
Where do you see the BJP in Tamil Nadu in the next 5 years? What are your immediate goals and your long-term vision for the state’s political transformation?
In five years, I see BJP as a decisive political force capable of leading the state. My immediate focus is winning key constituencies and strengthening the organisation. Long-term, I want BJP to be the natural choice for every Tamilian — a party that delivers prosperity without compromising cultural identity.
What message would you like to give to the BJP workers and supporters who look up to your leadership at this crucial juncture?
To my fellow karyakartas — this is our moment. Work with discipline, humility, and determination. Let us stand united under the leadership of PM Modi ji and take BJP’s message to every home. Together, we can shape a Tamil Nadu that is proud, prosperous, and part of a stronger Bharat.
