In almost every State in India, including Tamil Nadu, Narendra Modi is a factor in the elections, directly or indirectly.
So dynamic have been the efforts put in by the BJP and RSS cadre that the BJP is today a strong presence even in the North-East.
Down South, though, it’s a different story with the saffron party barring Karnataka, still trying to find its footing. But if the BJP looks invincible without a significant presence down South, imagine its strength if it breaches the Deccan region, too.
However, in Andhra Pradesh, Modi and BJP are virtually a non-factor. This is probably the only State in India where the people have stayed immune to the Modi magic, electorally. It’s either YSRCP or TDP for the people. People are least bothered about Narendra Modi or for that matter, the Congress Party.
Ironically, both the leaderships of YSRCP and TDP have been trying to cultivate a healthy relationship with the BJP because of the cases foisted on their party leaders.
Thus, Andhra Pradesh is a unique case where the people don’t need the BJP but the Parties do.