In a recent meeting of Bharatiya Janata Party executives in Tamil Nadu, the party’s senior leader, Pon Radhakrishnan, emphasised that the primary agenda was to bolster the BJP’s presence in the state rather than discussing the AIADMK alliance. The gathering, which took place at a private venue in Chennai, was attended by prominent figures including State President Annamalai, senior leader H. Raja, Coimbatore South BJP MLA and BJP National Women’s Wing President Vanathi Srinivasan, and others.
Radhakrishnan stated, “BJP aims to make significant strides in Tamil Nadu, and the party is dedicated to securing Narendra Modi’s third term as Prime Minister. The meeting outlined guidelines and tasks for the next seven months leading up to the parliamentary elections. The upcoming elections will be conducted based on these directives, urging BJP members to work with unwavering commitment and diligence.”
Responding to queries about the AIADMK alliance, Radhakrishnan clarified, “No discussions were held regarding the AIADMK alliance. Instead, the focus was on fortifying the BJP and advancing the existing National Democratic Alliance. The meeting revolved around strategies to propel this alliance forward.”
Addressing the delay in the BJP’s decision regarding the AIADMK alliance, Radhakrishnan remarked, “The BJP is gearing up for the 2024 parliamentary elections, preceded by five state elections. The party is prioritising these state-level contests.”
When questioned about Tamil Nadu BJP chief Annamalai’s recent remarks about Annadurai, Radhakrishnan urged for respect towards all former Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu, acknowledging their contributions to the state. He also said, “There have been many instances of criticism of Anna’s remarks concerning the same incident. Now we know those were not true. With regard to the issue you are talking about, Annamalai has already clarified his stand, I do not need to give my comments on the issue. He also did not criticise, he just narrated an incident that happened. We all respect Anna as the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, we also respect all the Chief Ministers of the state.”
The “issue” of Annamalai’s interaction with a lady reporter at a press meeting was also brought up. Shabbir Ahmed from Dravidianist-Leftist outlet The News Minute raised concerns about Annamalai’s “demeanour” towards reporters. Shabbir said there were allegations of Annamalai behaving very disrespectfully with her and that he was continuously treating reporters vehemently and that his behaviour was very insulting. He asked whether Pon Radhakrishnan would offer him any advice on his behaviour towards journalists since he was a senior member of the party. Pon Radhakrishnan replied saying, “All that I am requesting you is to give the respect to our State President and I humbly request you to ask him the questions properly.”
Shabbir retorted saying, “We have never asked questions violating any norms when the State President speaks, other leaders have never spoken like he has. Especially with Annamalai, he insults the journalists when they ask questions.”
Pon Radhakrishnan replied saying, “Now you are asking a question, the others are silent and when another asked a question, the rest of you were silent. Why are you not following this with him? Don’t the journalists have their own dharma/duty? I am not finding fault with you. What I am asking you is, to give the same respect and treat the State President of Tamil Nadu BJP the same way as you would do with the other political party heads in the state”. H. Raja echoed similar sentiments, advising journalists to address Annamalai with due respect.
Shabbir continued by saying, “When a reporter asks a question, even if the question is a tough one, it is not right as a leader to single out that reporter, right?” Radhakrishnan said that he had already addressed this and that it was not the right thing for him to speak about it again.
Shabbir again kept prodding, “No all we are asking is whether you will give them advice or not, we are placing our concerns before you, you decide.”
Another journalist quipped, “This isn’t the first time this is happening, we are placing our concerns only because this is happening repeatedly.”
Pon Radhakrishnan replies saying, “I had placed a request with you, if you follow it, everything will be alright.”
However, Shabbir continued to hound Radhakrishnan. He said, “With respect to a journalist, it is natural to ask questions.“, to which Radhakrishnan replied in the affirmative. Shabbir then goes on to say, “But at the same time, the reaction coming from the other side is severe and we are registering it because if it continues, it will take a different turn (vera maadhiri poidum)”
Dei .@Ahmedshabbir20 Verea Maathire poidumna Enna pannuva? Anthaa maathire ethavathu seivayaa? pic.twitter.com/wFWgwDnCdg
— Vishwatma 🇮🇳 (@HLKodo) October 5, 2023
When a journalist accused Annamalai of attending the meeting but not giving a press meet, H Raja interrupted him and said, “I don’t approve of this. You should not say he doesn’t “know” to come to a press meet. Even in Delhi, press meets are conducted, does the President attend all the meetings and answer the questions? It is the spokesperson who does it. Each party has its rules and methods. So don’t speak derogatorily about the State President, such remarks create an ill-will. So please avoid such questions.”
Another journalist butted in, but H Raja shut him up (despite Shabbir indicating that he was a senior journalist) saying, “I don’t know which magazine or newspaper you represent, but saying ‘State President doesn’t know to attend the press meet’ is wrong and should not be used.”
Not The First Time Shabbir Hounded BJP Leaders
This is not the first time Shabbir has behaved in this manner. When Annamalai met presspersons in 2022, Shabbir Ahmed unleashed his thug avatar.
On October 27, 2022, Annamalai, while addressing a protest meeting against the DMK government in Cuddalore, found himself surrounded by a swarm of media reporters. Their inquiries centered on the Coimbatore car explosion, to which Annamalai responded with a question about the overwhelming presence of reporters, igniting a controversy that was seized upon by DMK and Dravidian Stockist journalists in Tamil Nadu.
At a subsequent press conference on October 31, 2022, Shabbir Ahmed of The News Minute (TNM) and Lakshmi Subramanian of The Week confronted Annamalai, demanding an apology. Annamalai clarified that he had not referred to reporters as monkeys but had questioned why they were encircling him without allowing him the space and time to address their inquiries. He also highlighted the inconsistency in the response from Dravidian Stockist journalists, pointing out the muted criticism when DMK leader RS Bharathi referred to the media as “red light media.”
Annamalai countered Shabbir’s inquiries by raising questions about the neutrality of certain TV channels, specifically Sun TV and Kalaignar TV. He also revealed the political affiliation of a reporter from Sun News who supports the DMK. Annamalai criticized those who he believed were propagating agendas under the guise of journalism while commending the majority of media professionals for their commitment to truthful and honest reporting.
In the video that went viral on social media, TNM’s Shabbir Ahmed can be seen standing with one leg raised coming across as disrespectful. Many on social media lashed out at Shabbir asking if he can carry the same body language in front of DMK leaders. A few also recalled the instance when Shabbir was attacked by DMK cadres in 2014.
RSB media: We demand an apology ! Annamalai : I can’t apologise , boycott me if you wish – @annamalai_k to sold out journalists ! It was to that section of news fraternity that is biased, unethical and sold out . Not to upright honest journalists . u know who is who ! pic.twitter.com/iYTZwTgkdo
— karthik gopinath (@karthikgnath) October 31, 2022
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