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Of whipping and weeping: BJP’s protest against Tamil Nadu DMK government

BJP Tamil Nadu unit chief Annamalai criticised the ruling DMK for its alleged inability to curb rising crimes against women, claiming that the state has witnessed a significant breakdown in law and order.

k. Nitika Shivani

Published Dec 27, 2024 | 12:26 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 27, 2024 | 12:26 PM

K Annamalai's protest against DMK government in Tamil Nadu by whipping himself.

K Annamalai's protest against DMK government in Tamil Nadu by whipping himself.

In an attempt to draw attention to what he described as the deteriorating safety of women and children under the DMK government, BJP Tamil Nadu President K Annamalai on Friday, 27 December, staged a protest outside his residence in Coimbatore by whipping himself. The self-flagellation was followed by weeping women cadres expressing their ‘gratitude’ to Annamalai.

The protest follows the recent sexual harassment incident reported at Anna University Chennai.

Speaking to reporters, Annamalai criticised the ruling DMK for its alleged inability to curb rising crimes against women, claiming that the state has witnessed a significant breakdown in law and order.

“No matter the circumstances, it is against our tradition to lay a hand on a woman. But today, crimes against women are on the rise in Tamil Nadu under the DMK’s administration,” he said.

He accused the government of shielding offenders with political affiliations and failing to ensure justice, asserting that his act of self-punishment symbolised the anguish and helplessness of society in the face of increasing atrocities.

Related: Anna University, DMK come under fire

BJP protest against DMK government

On Thursday, Annamalai announced a state-wide agitation named “A protest to beat myself with a rope”.

The BJP aims to draw attention to what they claim is the worsening law and order situation under DMK rule, particularly concerning the safety of women, government officials, and children.

The protest is said to also focus on:

  • The alleged increasing circulation of drugs across the state.
  • The alleged silencing of voices that raise concerns about crimes involving DMK members.
  • The alleged failure to take action against politically connected offenders.

BJP leaders have accused the DMK of media manipulation and cover-ups to shield party members allegedly involved in heinous crimes. Critics claim that many such incidents were being hidden from the public, further endangering victims and emboldening perpetrators.

Protest strategy

The BJP had called for members across Tamil Nadu to demonstrate in front of their homes, condemning the DMK government’s failures.

Protesters had demanded that law enforcement act impartially, treating criminals as individuals rather than offering political protection.

While some people praised Annamalai’s symbolic protest as a dramatic yet meaningful call to action, others criticised it as political theatrics aimed at garnering attention.

“You are not a clown. You are the entire circus,” an X handle named Dravidian Insights posted.

“Do you run a party or a theater company?” another X user questioned.

“I’ve known Thalaivar Annamalai since day one of his political journey. His vision has always been to make Tamil Nadu a safe and secure place for all. Today, he stood as a symbol of accountability and solidarity, flogging himself 6 times to protest against the horrors of rape. A true leader who feels the people’s pain and leads by example,” a user wrote.

(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)

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