AIADMK leader D Jayakumar made it clear on Monday that there is currently no alliance between his party, led by K. Palaniswami, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tamil Nadu. He emphasized that the decision regarding any alliance would only be determined during the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha Elections.
Senior AIADMK figure D Jayakumar strongly criticized BJP state chief K Annamalai for his negative comments about the prominent Dravidian leader C N Annadurai. Jayakumar asserted that his party members would not tolerate any disrespect directed at the late chief minister.
He noted that Annamalai had made critical statements about AIADMK leaders, including the late J Jayalalithaa, prompting the AIADMK to request restraint from the BJP leader. Expressing his frustration, Jayakumar stated that Annamalai did not appear interested in forming an alliance with AIADMK, despite some BJP members desiring it. He questioned why they should endure criticism of their leaders and emphasized that the BJP’s presence in the state was known and attributed to the AIADMK.
Regarding the alliance, Jayakumar clarified that, at present, there was no alliance between the BJP and AIADMK, and any decision on this matter would only be made during the election period. When asked if this was his personal opinion, Jayakumar responded by saying, “Have I ever spoken to you in that capacity? I only convey what the party decides.”
Jayakumar strongly criticized the BJP led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, suggesting that tensions between the AIADMK and BJP appeared to have reached a breaking point.
It’s worth noting that the BJP has been actively seeking alliances to strengthen its presence in southern states, especially after losing its last stronghold, Karnataka, to the Congress in the recent Assembly elections.
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