AIADMK leader criticises Annamalai

In a recent verbal exchange between political leaders in Tamil Nadu, AIADMK deputy general secretary K P Munusamy criticised the state BJP president, K Annamalai, accusing him of prioritising self-promotion over the interests of his party. Munusamy called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to rein in Annamalai, asserting that the BJP leader speaks without a proper understanding of political history and backgrounds. The AIADMK leader made these comments while inaugurating the Anna trade union’s office at the Krishnagiri suburban bus depot. Munusamy expressed concern over Annamalai’s tendency to address the media with a focus on personal promotion rather than representing the BJP’s agenda. “Our party has initiated seat-sharing talks with our allies, and the outcomes will be announced to the media once the talks are completed,” Munusamy assured reporters, emphasising that the AIADMK remains committed to its alliance-building process. Responding to Annamalai’s recent statement predicting that the NDA would win 39 seats in Tamil Nadu in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Munusamy dismissed the claim, suggesting that the people’s stance would be evident only after the elections. He reminded Annamalai that the AIADMK played a crucial role in bringing the BJP to Tamil Nadu in 1998, with former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa forming an alliance with AB Vajpayee and LK Advani. Munusamy highlighted Jayalalithaa’s key role in the NDA formation and pointed out that the alliance dissolved only when they refused to grant rights to Tamils. He underscored, “I am reminding Annamalai that AIADMK formed the NDA.” In a historical context, Munusamy recalled that Narendra Modi was a cadre or state leader when the AIADMK had an alliance with Vajpayee. The AIADMK leader announced plans for an agitation on February 1 to condemn the state government for poor law and order, indicating the party’s dissatisfaction with the current administration.