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.”
Speaking at an event in Chennai, Annamalai also affirmed that the BJP will not form any electoral alliance with the DMK, as it views both Dravidian parties as key adversaries.
Speculations About BJP Alliance With DMK
The speculation started after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded former Chief Minister Karunanidhi while releasing a commemorative coin marking his centenary. AIADMK officials and their supporters fueled much of the speculation. EPS, in particular, claimed that the BJP had a covert alliance with the DMK.
Speaking at the YMCA grounds at a public meeting titled ‘Thamizhagam Meetpom’ (We will retrieve Tamil Nadu), K Annamalai launched his address by swiping at both Dravidian parties.
“Tamil Nadu will no longer tolerate this,” criticizing all former chief ministers except Kamaraj and MGR.
Annamalai remarked that smaller states are surpassing Tamil Nadu. “Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, India’s largest economies for 40 years, have now become Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. By the end of 2028, it will become Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. By the end of 2032, Tamil Nadu, which is in fourth position, will move to sixth.”
He added, “Other states are planning what’s needed for the next 25 years. The able administrators of India are thinking about what projects will bring industrial growth. They are thinking about what kind of plan should be implemented and how a government should support the common people. But only in Tamil Nadu do the administrators think of benefiting just one family.”
He claimed that any decisions made would primarily enrich their family through tenders, commissions, and contracts.
Rajinikanth Praising DMK
Responding to film actor Rajinikanth’s comments at a recent DMK event, Annamalai stated, “When there are persons like Durai Murugan and E.V. Velu on stage, Rajinikanth has pointed out that there will be a riot if the chair (power) gets transferred to Udhayanidhi Stalin. That’s what superstar Rajinikanth, in his style, stuffed the sugar-coated bun in the chief minister’s mouth without causing trouble to anyone.”
Annamalai pointed out that these ministers keenly anticipate Udhayanidhi’s potential promotion to chief minister, as it would help secure the political future of their own families. He criticized DMK leaders, who once championed self-respect in the 1970s, for now having no qualms about elevating Udhayanidhi to the role of deputy CM.
Palani Murugan
Annamalai then referred to Cho’s remark about Hindus in Tamil Nadu becoming aware, suggesting that if they did, the DMK would take the ‘Paal Kaavadi’ procession to Palani in the same manner they have now pursued. He mocked the DMK’s recent political manoeuvre involving the international Murugan conference organized by the HR&CE department, labelling it a government-driven political spectacle.
The state BJP chief criticized the DMK’s approach towards the deity Palani Murugan, whom he called an “eremite”. He said the ruling party misrepresents their understanding of Sanatana Dharma while conducting functions. He pointed out that those who previously dismissed this perspective have faded into obscurity. Annamalai also highlighted the irony of Udhayanidhi and Shekar Babu participating in this conference, given their earlier commitment to “eliminate Sanatana Dharma.”
EVR Followers Deciding On Palani Paal Kaavadi
Annamalai then ridiculed the DMK’s Dravidian model and its ideologue, EVR, also known as Periyar. He criticized Periyar’s views on Thiruvalluvar, Tholkappiyar, and Kambar. Regarding Thiruvalluvar, Annamalai pointed out that EVR had claimed, “Thiruvalluvar, in line with the times, supported the Aryan concept and made statements driven by religious sentiment, without worrying about the rationale.”
Concerning Tholkappiyar, he quoted EVR’s characterization of him as “an Aryan mercenary and a great traitor who transformed Arya Dharma into Tamil grammar.” On Kambar, Annamalai referenced EVR’s opinion that Kambar was “like today’s politicians, a complete liar and a total hypocrite/fraud.”
Using these quotes, Annamalai ridiculed the DMK. The ruling party prides itself on deriving its Dravidian model from EVR’s ideology while engaging in political stunts involving Palani. He further asserted that Lord Murugan’s retribution is imminent and significant, declaring, “The punishment will be severe. They will definitely face consequences.”
BJP Will Contest 2026 Polls Alone
Annamalai stated that the BJP must rely on its capabilities to succeed in Tamil Nadu.
The TN BJP chief described the DMK and AIADMK as the state’s political rivals. He labelling the DMK as an evil force and criticized the AIADMK under EPS for becoming a “bidding agent.”
“If the BJP has to gain power in Tamil Nadu, it has to stand on its strength before the people, which is its first qualification. The second qualification is that both DMK and AIADMK are political adversaries. There is no compromise in that. DMK is an evil force, and the people of Tamil Nadu, for the past 50 years, have realized it well. The current AIADMK, under Edappadi Palaniswami’s leadership, has become a bidding agent waiting for the highest bid. It has lost the individuality it had during the times of leaders like Puratchi Thalaivar and Puratchi Thalaivi.”
Annamalai recounted how EPS came to power.
“Mr Edappadi Palaniswami, in your hometown Siluvampalayam, a murder occurred during a brothers dispute. 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 “well frogs.” 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.
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