Reports indicate growing dissatisfaction within the AIADMK party as General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami expressed frustration with district-level cadres who remained silent following Tamil Nadu BJP leader Annamalai’s recent criticism.
On 25 August 2024, a BJP general meeting in Chennai featured Annamalai making severe criticism of Palaniswami and the party. Annamalai accused Palaniswami of opportunistically seizing the Chief Minister’s position and mocked him as a coward, further criticizing the AIADMK party. In response, ADMK members in districts such as Madurai and Sivagangai burned effigies of Annamalai. However, the reaction was minimal across most other districts.
This response has sparked considerable turmoil within Tamil Nadu’s political sphere. Former Telangana/Puducherry Governor and TN BJP leader Tamilisai also weighed in, advising Annamalai to show respect to party leaders and temper his rhetoric. Despite this, ADMK leaders have been notably reticent. Former ministers KP Munusamy, R.B.Udhaya Kumar, Sellur K. Raju, Kadambur Raju, D. Jayakumar, and others condemned Annamalai’s remarks, but many district secretaries only offered token protests, while senior leaders largely remained silent. This lack of unified opposition has deeply unsettled Palaniswami.
It is alleged that Palaniswami confided to close associates, questioning why district secretaries were reluctant to challenge Annamalai’s criticisms when they would have reacted strongly if former Gen Secy J Jayalalithaa was being discussed. He expressed disappointment that despite allowing district secretaries to retain their positions despite various complaints, they now hesitate to defend him against Annamalai’s allegations.
Senior ADMK members argue that focusing on conflicts with the BJP rather than the DMK, which they view as the true adversary, is misguided. This stance has contributed to the subdued reaction to Annamalai’s harsh criticism, further aggravating Palaniswami. Additionally, the strained relationships among senior leaders are believed to be another factor behind the lack of strong opposition to Annamalai.
What Did Annamalai Say?
On 25 August 2024, Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai came down heavily on the state’s opposition parties, including the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), putting an end to speculation of a BJP alliance with them. He also condemned former AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), labelling him “the highest bidding agent of the party.”
Annamalai recounted how EPS came to power. “Mr Edappadi Palaniswami, in your hometown Siluvampalayam, a murder occurred during a dispute between brothers. After the incident, one person was arrested and imprisoned, while another hid in the Western Ghats. You are the one who grabbed the legs of a senior ADMK minister who is currently serving as a minister in the DMK. After closing the case, you stood in the panchayat election and faced defeat. So, please don’t lecture me about honesty.”
Annamalai then criticized Palaniswami. He said the latter ascended to power within the party through a tender and bidding system in Koovathur. “To tell a dignified farmer’s son Annamalai, who signed in green ink for ten years and never borrowed a single penny, ‘tharkuri’ (illiterate) Palaniswami, has no locus standi to speak about me. This is arrogance. In 2026, the party run by Puratchi Thalaivar and Puratchi Thalaivi is now run by “frogs in the well.” You will be thrown out, not even to fourth place.”
He then explained why the BJP had severed ties with the AIADMK. In 2019, EPS mocked the PM, claiming he would not win and, therefore, would not participate in the candidate nominations.
Following that incident, the BJP decided to avoid any alliance with the ADMK. He concluded by asserting that both Dravidian parties are adversaries. He added that for the BJP to establish its dominance, the 2026 election represents a ripe opportunity for the party.
Why Annamalai Severely Criticized EPS & AIADMK
At the same meeting, Annamalai explained why the BJP had severed ties with the AIADMK. In 2019, EPS mocked the PM, claiming he would not win and, therefore, would not participate in the candidate nominations. Following that incident, the BJP decided to avoid any alliance with the ADMK.
On 27 August 2024, during a press conference, Annamalai reaffirmed his stance, stating, “The criticism directed towards EPS was 100% truthful and will not be retracted, not even by 1%. Former ministers can say whatever they want and ridicule me by calling me ‘tharkuri‘, mocking my journey to study, mocking my work, and everything else. That’s okay. But should I fold my hands and say, ‘You have 40 years of experience and I only have 3 years of experience’? I didn’t come here to say that. Whether it’s the internal or external party, my style won’t change. I came here for a political change. After I became the president, look at how the party has progressed. We have contested alone for the local body and Lok Sabha. We contested alone so that the party will grow.”
(With inputs from Dinamalar)
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