Tamil Nadu’s BJP president, K Annamalai, recently held a press conference following the announcement of the 2024 Lok Sabha election results. He addressed reporters with the same determined tone as before, revitalizing the party cadres who significantly increased the party’s vote percentage to double digits.
Annamalai commenced his speech by highlighting the remarkable achievement of the BJP and the NDA alliance at the national level. He emphasized the historic nature of Narendra Modi’s third consecutive term as Prime Minister, a feat unmatched since Jawaharlal Nehru. Annamalai acknowledged the challenge of being elected for a third term in global affairs, underlining the significance of the NDA’s victory. He expressed gratitude to voters across India and specifically in Tamil Nadu, affirming the party’s dedication to them. While acknowledging some setbacks, Annamalai lauded the accomplishment of targets in most states.
Addressing a reporter’s query about the BJP’s setback in Tamil Nadu, falling short of the aimed 25% vote share, Annamalai clarified that the party’s target was initially set at 20%, with the NDA alliance aiming for a cumulative 25%. He emphasized the party’s diligent efforts towards this goal, citing his own example in Coimbatore where he garnered 4.5 lakh votes without resorting to bribery. Annamalai concluded by assuring further dedication and hard work towards enhancing the party’s performance in the upcoming 2026 elections.
Another journalist referred to RB Udhaya Kumar’s statement suggesting that if the opposition had been united, they might have secured some seats. In response, Annamalai remarked, “At least, now they are saying it , aren’t they, brother? What were they saying before? They called us a NOTA party. Wisdom has come now, hasn’t it? What were they saying before? A NOTA party … the BJP should not hold flags in the meetings, (BJP) should come without flags… we will do the campaign ourselves, you just be idle… ‘Will the party cross NOTA, will it cross 3%?’ Who said all these? Today, what’s ADMK saying? If we had been together today, we could have won. It took so many years to say that, Why didn’t they say it earlier?”
The reporters interjected, suggesting, “Perhaps because you criticized their leaders.” Annamalai countered, “Where did I criticize? I’ve always spoken the same way,” and continued, “Today, our cadres have gained respect to the extent that they can walk with their heads held high, that is a big thing. A cadre needs respect in a party. My cadres are walking with their head held high today. He is asking for votes in twenty-three seats holding party flags today, we have contested where we have not contested for thirty years, we have won votes where lotus have not gone for twenty years, this is how the party grows.”
“Would the Bharatiya Janata Party be in power today if ten years ago someone had suggested to form an alliance with Naveen Patnaik in Odisha? You called us a one percent party in Odisha, zero party in 2004, one seat in 2009, three in 2014, eight in 2019. Where do we stand today? In power.”
Annamalai, back to his clear and confident best in the press meet:
"If BJP was asked to ally with Naveen Patnaik 10 years back, would BJP have won Odisha today?From Zero seats in 2004, to 1 seat in 2009, now we are ruling Odisha.
This is how a party would grow – step by… pic.twitter.com/Gn0N2Dn280
— Tamil Labs 2.0 (@labstamil) June 5, 2024
Another report stated that Kanimozhi in the moring in a press meet have responded that, “I’m speking this after becoming MP” Annamalai swiftly replied, “My father’s name isn’t Karunanidhi, he wasn’t an MLA for six or seven times. My father is herding sheep, cows and worked in the fields, I am his son. So it’ll take time for me to win a little brother. Step by step only I can win. If my father were Karunanidhi, I would have won, but my father is Kuppuswamy.”
He added, “Kuppusamy taught me to proceed cautiously and justly; eventually, victory will come.” Annamalai then mocked Kanimozhi’s statement, saying, “Kanimozhi sister has suggested that Annamalai should step down from the state president post. I’ll consider it if Kanimozhi sister joins the BJP.”
‘I come from a humble background, my father is a farmer, not a former CM. It might take me some time to gain your trust, but I am committed to working tirelessly for the development of our nation’
We salute you @annamalai_k you’ve been an inspiration to million of party… pic.twitter.com/sVVnGpdYD4
— Diksha Verma (Modi ka Parivar) (@dikshaaverma) June 5, 2024
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