Tamil Nadu BJP State President K. Annamalai strongly criticised Dravidian parties for engaging in caste and communal politics, which has hindered the district’s development. He voiced these concerns during the “En Mann En Makkal” procession in Dharmapuri on 7 January 2024, where he visited constituencies like Palacode, Pennagaram, and Dharmapuri.
Beginning his speech, he commended Tamil chieftain “Neduman Anji” for his selfless act of giving up his rare Indian gooseberry to poetess Avvayar, which was considered to improve one’s life expectancy, and he highlighted the objective of the yatra – to preserve Tamil culture and make the youth aware of their history. He criticised the DMK, claiming that since they came to power, Tamil Nadu’s history seemed to begin only after 1965.
Annamalai emphasised the significance of cultural landmarks like the Mallikarjuna temple, KalaBhairavar temple, Adhiyaman fort, and Theerthagirisheeshwar temple as integral to Tamil identity. He called for the removal of the DMK from power to restore Tamil Nadu’s pride, especially with the upcoming elections in 60-70 days.
Expressing confidence in choosing Narendra Modi as India’s Prime Minister for the third time in April, Annamalai praised Modi’s ten-year tenure, lauding him as an honest leader. He recounted the BJP’s initiatives between 2014 and 2019, focusing on uplifting the downtrodden with schemes for housing, water, sanitation, and financial inclusion.
He stated “During the initial period from 2014 to 2019, we initiated schemes with a primary focus on uplifting the underprivileged in our nation. Our efforts were particularly geared towards constructing houses, providing tap water connections, building toilets, and facilitating gas connections. It is noteworthy that prior to this initiative, a staggering 42 crore people in India did not even have bank accounts.
He added, “Particularly in Dharmapuri, over the past decade, Modi has overseen the construction of concrete houses for 31,336 families, and additional homes have been provided. 2,32,117 toilet facilities have been established, along with tap water connections through the Jal Jeevan Mission, benefiting 121,410 households for the first time who in the past had to rely on pots to carry water, and a 101,522 families have access to gas connections for the first time. Dharmapuri, primarily reliant on agriculture, has seen 184,039 farmers benefit from the PM Kisan scheme, receiving ₹6,000 annually. These achievements reflect the first five years from 2014 to 2019, with a focus on prioritising the downtrodden, addressing poverty, and tackling low development. Despite the passage of 67 years, significant portions of the population still lacked proper housing and gas connections until these initiatives were implemented”.
Transitioning to the period from 2019 to 2024, Annamalai discussed the concentration on internal infrastructure, with significant investments in projects like the flyover bridge in Thoppur and the creation of 11 medical colleges statewide. He also highlighted the development of airports, ports, and various other initiatives.
He stated, “From 2019 to 2024, the focus has been on enhancing internal infrastructure, including the upgrade of roads and the Dharmapuri railway station through the Amrit Bharat scheme, backed by a budget of ₹15 crores. In response to a long-standing request, work has commenced on the Dharmapuri Morapur bridge, stalled since 1941 during British rule, spanning 82 years. An allocation of ₹358 crores has been sanctioned for its development, with ongoing progress, and upon completion, it will be open for public use. Notably, in the Thoppur area, where accidents have been frequent, a groundbreaking investment of ₹775 crores has been made for the construction of a flying bridge, for the first time”.
He added, “Other than this across Tamil Nadu, 11 medical colleges have been established, reflecting a commitment to healthcare infrastructure. Investments totaling ₹4,542 crores have been directed towards the modernisation of airports. Recently, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated a new building at Trichy airport, costing an estimated ₹1200 crores, dedicated to the people of Tamil Nadu. Additionally, a substantial amount of ₹1,46,000 crores has been allocated for the development of ports. These initiatives represent just a glimpse, as there are more accomplishments and investments that can be elaborated upon.”
Looking ahead, Annamalai outlined Modi’s vision for India to become the world’s 3rd largest economy by the end of 2028, surpassing Japan and Germany. He referred to this vision as “Viksit Bharat” or Developed India, emphasising the BJP’s commitment to transformative economic growth.
Addressing the issue of unemployment in Dharmapuri, particularly among the youth, Annamalai stressed the need to attract industries, create jobs, and implement the Cauvery scheme to improve irrigation for farmers.
Talking about DMK MP from Dharmapuri, Senthil Kumar, Annamalai read out a few lines from the 1965 edition of Viduthalai, while narrating an anecdote. He said, “In 1965, by-elections were taking place in Dharmapuri. At that time, Periyar, in Viduthalai magazine wrote, ‘Caution!! Dharmapuri voters, don’t support rioters and do not encourage DMK conspiracy’. Subsequently, Congress candidate Vadivelu Goundar emerged victorious in that election. Interestingly, today, Vadivelu Goundar’s grandson holds the position of MP under the DMK. We forget history sometimes. Periyar himself had labelled the DMK as rioters, emphasising their inclination towards caste-based politics, as noted in his writings. He noted that caste-politics was repeatedly done and caused Dharmapuri to lag behind.
When your MP comes here, you must ask if someone carries out a Bhoomi Puja or even lights an agarbatti, or even if someone carries a trident (soolam), he will ask, this is Dravida Model government, how can you bring an agarbatti or soolam? You should tell him, Anna you say Dravida Model government is your principle and your ideologue is Periyar but Annamalai came and told us about what Periyar had written in 1965 about the by-election in Viduthalai magazine which was run by Periyar himself. What Periyar has said without saying explicitly is that, your MP Senthil Kumar is a rioter, he said that in 1965 itself!”
1965ஆம் ஆண்டு தர்மபுரி இடைத்தேர்தலில் DN வடிவேல் கவுண்டர் வென்ற வரலாறு – தலைவர் @annamalai_k pic.twitter.com/SomWxvLP1Y
— Krishna Kumar Murugan (@ikkmurugan) January 7, 2024
Annamalai questioned the effectiveness of the current MP from Dharmapuri in addressing local issues in Parliament, highlighting concerns such as derogatory remarks on fellow citizens, especially north Indians, Hindu gods and goddesses, and the Hogenakkal water supply project flagged by the CAG.
He conveyed his frustration saying, “Instead of addressing the issues of his constituency, MP Senthil Kumar diverted the discussion in Parliament by stating that North Indians consume “cow urine“. In response, another MP questioned him, asking why his own son is currently studying in an international school in Uttarakhand, implying that if north India is indeed a region where cow urine is consumed, then why is his son studying there? The Dharmapuri MP in the context of religious beliefs in the North also said, “It is often said that, for Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, Pillayar (Ganesha) is considered their son, not Murugan and raises the rhetorical question of whether Shiva and Parvati practiced family planning, as Murugan is traditionally considered their son”.
Annamalai questioned the voters of the constituency “What should he address in Parliament? Should he not focus on manufacturing capacity, and aim to generate four lakh jobs within the next five years by establishing new industries? Has your MP raised these issues in Parliament?”
He concluded by affirming that only Narendra Modi possesses the qualifications to become the Prime Minister in 2024, comparing him favourably to other political figures. Annamalai also urged the allocation of funds for SIPCOT and emphasised the importance of fulfilling promises in the electoral manifesto, especially in creating jobs and fostering local development of DMK.
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