Major Tamil Nadu news outlets reported a speech given by Tamil Nadu BJP president Annamalai in a closed-door meeting in which he stated that if the BJP forms an alliance with the AIADMK, he will step down.
A consultative meeting of BJP state executive members and state leaders was held at a private wedding hall in Amainthakarai, Chennai. In this meeting, organization general secretary Kesava Vinayakam spoke about setting up booth committees for elections and preparing for the 2024 Lol Sabha elections. BJP President K. Annamalai participated and addressed the cadres. Many in the meeting were surprised and quite enthused by State President Annamalai’s speech.
In his speech, Annamalai said, “We can grow the party only if we stand alone in Tamil Nadu. If the BJP decides to form an alliance with ADMK, I will resign as president and be as a mere party worker. I’ve requested a meeting with Prime Minister Modi. He stated that he will be “busy” with party work until the Karnataka assembly elections on May 10th.”
Annamalai also reportedly stated “Won’t stand with folded hands for the sake of alliance. Will announce decision about alliance in May.”
The announcements of state president Annamalai were reportedly took some senior leaders by surprise according to news reports. Vice President Narayanan Thirupathy, who was shocked to hear Annamalai’s speech, said that his intention (speech) is not clear and therefore needs further explanation, according to newspaper reports.
Although there was reportedly some opposition to Annamalai’s speech within the party, there was also said to be a section that supported Annamalai’s speech.
It was also reported that BJP MLA and National Mahila Morcha president Vanathi Srinivasan stated that there was no need for raising alliance talks now and that alliance would be decided by the party’s central parliamentary board.
The incident occurred in a closed-door meeting, so the news cannot be independently verified. However, the response of the Tamil Nadu BJP leaders in public demonstrates that the reports about Annamalai’s speech of breaking alliance with the ADMK are accurate.
Reacting to Annamalai’s speech in public, BJP state vice president and MLA Nainar Nagendran said that only the central leadership will decide on the electoral alliance and that what Annamalai spoke was his personal opinion.
Former ADMK Minister D Jaya Kumar responded to Annamalai’s speech by saying that it would be improper to comment on something the party leader Annamalai said in a meeting held closed doors with party members. He also added that he cannot go by what was reported in news and that the party leadedship (AIADMK) will decide on the matter.
Former AIADMK Minister OS Maninan said, “AIADMK will decide the alliance in Tamilnadu and will lead the alliance. Only ADMK will decide with whom to form an alliance and how many tickets will be given to allies.”
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