BJP has to do more to make its mark in south

This refers to the article, “Gujarat connection in UP: Gambit may pay” (May 22) by Rajesh Singh.

While I agree with the overall analysis, I also believe that the BJP can come back to power Karnataka once the NDA forms a Government at the Centre. The reason for the optimism is that the Congress regime, which has taken charge in Karnataka, is packed with people with dubious credentials. These people can’t last long if they don’t get the moral support of the Centre and the backing of the Central Bureau of Investigation. 

However, it is important for the State BJP to rebuild the party as soon as it can. In Andhra Pradesh, although the prospects for the party are better than they were before, the BJP has a limited presence there. The party can win a few seats from the Telangana region this time for sure, but it will still be the third or fourth force in coastal Andhra. Tamil Nadu and Kerala are distant dreams, and it may take another decade for the BJP to come even second in those States.