Blessing in disguise! After Jaya's conviction, BJP to gain ground in TN?

After the conviction of their leader J Jayalalithaa in the 18-year-old disproportionate assets (DA) case, ruling AIADMK is finding itself in a great deal of trouble. O Panneerselvam, the 'number 2' in AIADMK, has sworn-in as the new chief minister of Tamil Nadu for the second term. But Jaya's virtual exit from Tamil Nadu's politics has given opposition, especially the BJP, a chance to increase its clout in the state.

BJP to gain ground in Tamil Nadu?

The court has sentenced four years in jail and imposed a fine of Rs 100 crore to AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa, which means she will not be able to enter active politics till 2024 since the law bars a person from contesting polls in for six years after he/ comes out of jail.

Since, Jaya was the only face of the party and the government it will be very difficult for the party to come to terms that she will no longer leading them from the front though she will be holding the party's reigns from behind the bars. But, the party faces a massive leadership crisis for Jaya was the only popular leader of the party did not allow any other leader in the party become its face.

Hence, it will be very tough times for the party in the post Jaya era. Even, Panneerselvam, the new CM, will be acting on Amma's instructions. Thus, he too will not be able to create his own identity in the minds of people.

BJP has the chances of becoming a key opposition in Tamil Nadu

It must be remembered that as of now Jaya is going to be in jail for next four years and her absence will give a perfect opportunity to rival DMK and BJP to gain grounds. Since, DMK has already lost its credibility amongst people, it will be ideal opportunity for the BJP to spread its wings in the southern state.

DMK a divided lot

The DMK, despite having a considerable vote bank, might just fail to give a tough fight to the rival BJP as the party itself is going through a lot of transition. The party was already reeling under the charges of massive corruption by its leaders and the infighting within the party has just multiplied its existing woes.

DMK chief M Karunanithi has become too old to take care of the party on his own and its division into MK Stalin and MK Alagiri camp has further damaged the party's chances of coming back to power in the state in the 2016 assembly polls. The party had to pay the price for the infighting and giving tickets to corruption tainted leaders during the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

The party which had won 18 Lok Sabha seats from the state in the 2009 polls could not manage to bag even a single of the seats in the 2014 general elections. This complete decimation shows that DMK was given a thumbs down by the people of Tamil Nadu.

BJP made a positive start with LS polls performance

On the contrary, the BJP which had never won a single seat from the state managed to win a seat from the state having 39 Lok Sabha seats. Riding on the Modi wave BJP and a little support from on the 'rainbow alliance' comprising local parties in the state, the BJP opened its account.

As per a Hindu report, the BJP sources say there is scope for the saffron party in Tamil Nadu as its "appeal and acceptability" is on the rise as was apparent from its PM candidate Narendra Modi's successful campaign rallies in the state during the LS poll campaign.

Also, the party has not opened its card on the issue of Sri Lankan Tamils, which plays a very important, role in the state's politics. The saffron party has so far neither said for nor against the Lankan Tamils that is it has maintained a neutral approach in this regard.

As per BJP leader Subramanian Swamy it is time the state of Tamil Nadu comes under the leadership of a national party and frees itself from the clutches of regional parties.

Good show at Centre might do the trick for BJP

The BJP, being a new entrant in the Tamil Nadu's politics would be have ample chances of performing exceptionally well in the state if the Narendra Modi-led government in New Delhi performs well. The party will have to maintain its clean image and pitch for development plank.

And going with the new dispensation's performance one just feels that party's prospects in the new terrains will be good. But, the party will have to depend greatly on PM Narendra Modi and party chief Amit Shah's strategies to cement its position in the state.

But, even in her absence Jaya, who enjoys immense faith from supports, will pose a tough challenge to the BJP.