Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party President K. Annamalai commenced his “En Mann En Makkal Yatra” on 28 July 2023, with an expected conclusion on 18 February 2024. The procession covers all 234 constituencies of Tamil Nadu. Currently, Annamalai has traversed over 189 constituencies and is entering the northern part of Tamil Nadu, approaching Chennai. All through the yatra, he provided constructive criticism against the ruling DMK government, functioning akin to an opposition party. His efforts have brought the Tamil Nadu BJP to the doorsteps of many citizens, making the party’s presence felt across the state.
One such incident unfolded in the Thiruvallur district when Annamalai was scheduled to visit on 8 February 2024 the local body was swiftly doing their work, where local residents expressed their concerns to reporters, asserting that they had never had proper roads in the area. Interestingly, the local body swiftly displayed interest in laying a road, citing preparations for the New Moon Chariot function. However, citizens narrated a contrasting story, raising doubts about the true intentions behind the sudden road construction.
அண்ணாமலை வருவதால் பயந்து ரோடு போடுகிறார்கள்❤️🔥#Annamalai #EnMannEnMakkal pic.twitter.com/VdFJVyOpYr
— வெட்டி பையன் (@vettipayyan2023) February 8, 2024
A resident named Rajesh conveyed to the media, “My name is Rajesh and I live in this area, this morning they suddenly laid the road. When I asked, they said Annamalai was visiting the area so they were laying the road, but when I asked the municipality, they said that the road was being laid for the temple chariot. The temple chariot had run for so many new moons but never one was the road laid. Now that Annamalai is coming, they have anxiously laid the road. The municipality does not know what is going on, so as soon as when they hear Annamalai is coming they lay the road. But the road was not paved when the chariot arrived. This road was full of pits and potholes but no one came to inspect it. Now, as soon as they have put a stage here, the municipality lays the road and pretends to “make-up” the road. Here school students and common people walk, they did nothing but today they are making it up.”
Kumar, another resident who works as an auto driver, said, “The road has not been laid all this while, today they are laying the road as Annamalai is expected to come here and they are doing everything. Do you know how waterlogged it gets during the rains? But they are laying the road only now, if you ask them they say it is for the chariot, but the chariot festival is only on Saturday, but they are laying it today. I don’t know what the case is but if you ask them, it must be Annamalai’s arrival. All these days they did not lay the road, but today they are laying the road as Annamalai is coming. Because he will ask about it, why this road is not good? It seems that he is coming on foot, so he will ask what is wrong with the road. They immediately brought soil and did everything. I don’t know what is what, you have to make a decision.“
The prompt response from the municipality seems to stem from Annamalai’s practice of sharing his views and understanding of each constituency or district he visits, critically examining its socio-economic and political aspects. He has been outspoken in criticizing sitting ministers and MLAs for corruption, scams, embezzlement, and family dynasties, and exposing falsehoods and narratives. With the looming Lok Sabha elections, the ruling DMK government is cautious not to provide any room for political discussions by Annamalai, particularly as he approaches the DMK stronghold of Chennai. The swift action can be attributed to the political pressure and the government’s desire to preempt any potential impact on the upcoming elections.
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