Tamil Nadu Assembly Election: From AIADMK to BJP, Why no Brahmin candidates fielded by parties?

New Delhi: Parties have released their candidates lists for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. And all major parties contesting the elections have adopted a strategy rarely seen in decades. According to reports, this is the first time in nearly 35 years that no party in the state has fielded a single candidate from the Brahmin community. 

Whether it's the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), the Congress, or the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Brahmin community is absent from the candidate lists of all the parties. 

What is the population of Brahmin community?

The Brahmin community constitutes around three per cent of Tamil Nadu's total population. Consequently, parties are building their alliances around those communities with greater electoral influence. 

What about AIADMK?

The AIADMK's stance is currently the most discussed topic in Tamil Nadu politics. Once a strong supporter of the Brahmin community, the party has not fielded a single Brahmin candidate this time, sparking a flurry of discussions within political circles.

Since the death of former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, a Brahmin, AIADMK's strategy has been constantly shifting. In the 2021 assembly elections, the AIADMK fielded only one Brahmin candidate, a retired Director General of Police, R. Nataraj. 

However, this time the party has completely excluded this community from ticket distribution. 

Did BJP field any Brahmin candidate?

The BJP also did not include any Brahmins among its 27 candidates, though the party has managed to get support of Tamil Nadu Brahmin Association (TAMBRAS). 

Despite the general perception that Brahmin organizations in Tamil Nadu tend to lean towards the BJP, this decision by both parties is being seen as a sign of a shift in political dynamics. 

The DMK and Congress also did not give tickets to any Brahmin. 

What about Vijay's TVK and other small parties?

Tollywood actor Vijay's party, Tamilaga Vetti Kazhagam, has fielded two Brahmin candidates this time. 

Tamil nationalist Seeman's Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) has given tickets to six Brahmin candidates and these candidates have been fielded in constituencies where a significant number of Brahmin voters are considered, such as Mylapore and Srirangam. 

The strategy is clear that the party are attempting to directly appeal to specific communities and strengthen their support base.

Where is Brahmins support going?

According to political analysts, there was a time when the AIADMK, under the leadership of J. Jayalalithaa, enjoyed strong support from the Brahmin community. However, after her death, the party's hold gradually weakened. 

Amid the changing political dynamics, the Brahmin community appeared to be leaning increasingly toward the BJP.