Allies at crossroads: AIADMK passes scathing resolution against Annamalai; BJP state chief remains defiant

Passing a three-page resolution in the meeting condemning the BJP state president, Palaniswami said the AIADMK cadres and public are agitated and aggrieved over the criticism about the late chief minister.

“BJP senior leaders like AB Vajpayee, LK Advani, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, besides several national leaders and leaders from various states, had great regard and respect for Jayalalithaa. Many national leaders conferred with her on several issues at her residence,” the resolution said.

Annamalai had given the interview in a planned manner, with the sole intention of tarnishing the image of the revolutionary leader and Idhaya Deivam Puratchi Thalaivi Amma (goddess in the heart, as Jayalalithaa is fondly called by her followers), the resolution added.

“It was Jayalalithaa who was the reason the BJP came to power in 1998, and she was instrumental in introducing the BJP to Tamil Nadu and get them winning in the Lok Sabha elections. Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the late leader and had consultations with her several times,” it pointed out.

This is the first time the AIADMK has condemned Annamalai in such harsh terms and even passed a resolution against him.

Also read: AIADMK demands action against TN BJP chief Annamalai

What happened at the meeting?

According to sources, Palaniswami on 9 June called for a meeting with the AIADMK district secretaries at the party headquarters to discuss the next course of political action and to intensify the protests against the DMK.

EPS chairs the district secretaries’ meeting. (Supplied)

A district secretary who participated in the meeting told South First that the agenda for which the meeting was called totally changed because of Annamalai’s interview about “Amma” — the maternal moniker that became an identity.

“Even yesterday, Jayakumar gave the interview only with the consent of our general secretary (Palaniswami). When the meeting started. all the district secretaries, in a unified voice, expressed their displeasure over the attitude of Annamalai in recent days,” said this district secretary on Tuesday.

“Many told Palaniswami that the BJP was a burden for the party, and that it would be hard to work together with it in the Lok Sabha election if Annamalai led its state unit,” added the individual.

He further said, “The general secretary is furious with Annamalai. He said there is a limit for everything, and explained that he had tolerated everything only for the faces of Modi and Amit Shah. If they want the AIADMK, let them take action against Annamalai. If they want Annamalai, let them leave the AIADMK. They have to choose.”

The participants of the meeting subsequently decided to pass the resolution against Annamalai.

Also read: In Annamalai, BJP sees Tamil film hero for its Hindutva project

‘Don’t teach me’

Reacting to the scathing resolution condemning him, Annamalai issued a statement on Tuesday evening.

The Tamil Nadu BJP president stated that the AIADMK leaders had misconstrued his interview.

“I am not going to make below-the-belt comments, like the AIADMK leaders do. But I want to tell the people of the state that my politics will be against corruption,” Annamalai said.

மக்கள் ஊழலற்ற அரசு சாத்தியம் என்பதை உணர தொடங்கியிருக்கிறார்கள். அவர்கள் நம்பிக்கை வீண் போகாது, தமிழகத்தில் ஊழலற்ற மக்கள்நலன் சார்ந்த அரசு அமையும். அதை நோக்கியே எங்கள் அரசியல் பயணமும் தொடரும்

– மாநில தலைவர் திரு.@annamalai_k அவர்களின் இன்றைய தேதியிட்ட அறிக்கை pic.twitter.com/DJHUGaKK8m

— BJP Tamilnadu (@BJP4TamilNadu) June 13, 2023

He added that the benefits and welfare schemes implemented in the state by its “rulers” had not reached the common man in their entirety, and were designed only to benefit a few.

“I will continue to be against corruption,” he said.

Annamalai also said in his statement: “No one should teach me how to treat the ally parties and their leaders. I know what collation dharma is.”

He continued: “If someone points out what is wrong in the interview I gave to the English daily, I have no hesitation in rectifying my remarks. At the same time, it is not suitable to expect that we have to talk only about the things that the ally party wishes just because we are in a coalition.”