Annamalai warns against ’29 Paise Modi’ slogan

The political arena in Tamil Nadu witnessed heightened tensions as BJP state president K Annamalai issued a stern warning to Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, cautioning him against the continued use of the ’29 paise Modi’ slogan. Annamalai’s threat, made during a campaign event in Erode for Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC) candidate P Vijayakumar, signals a sharp escalation in rhetoric between the ruling DMK and the BJP. Announcing the Union government’s significant financial contributions to Tamil Nadu over the past decade, Annamalai asserted that the Centre had allocated a staggering Rs. 11 lakh crore to the state, with a substantial portion disbursed directly to beneficiaries. Dismissing Udhayanidhi Stalin’s allegations that the Centre provides only 29 paise for every rupee of tax collected from the state, Annamalai urged him to consider the comprehensive support extended through various central government schemes. Challenging Udhayanidhi to cease using the ’29 paise Modi’ slogan, Annamalai issued a stark ultimatum: failure to comply would result in the BJP referring to him as ‘ganja Udhayanidhi.’ The BJP leader’s provocative remark, insinuating widespread availability of marijuana in villages under the DMK’s governance, underscores the escalating tensions between the two parties. Amidst the political sparring, Annamalai pledged to address key issues facing Erode constituency if the NDA emerges victorious in the upcoming elections. Promising the establishment of an integrated cancer hospital and a sewage treatment plant to combat pollution, Annamalai sought to sway voters with assurances of tangible development initiatives under BJP leadership. The escalating rhetoric and confrontational stance adopted by the BJP signal a deepening polarization in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, with both parties intensifying efforts to sway public opinion ahead of the polls.