BJP State President Annamalai launched a sharp critique of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader Thirumavalavan, asserting that the party is not in Thirumavalavan’s control but is influenced by lottery businesses.Speaking to the media in Coimbatore, Annamalai remarked:
“Adhav Arjuna, the current Deputy General Secretary of VCK, is the son-in-law of a lottery tycoon. Until recently, he was closely associated with Sabarisan, and in 2021, facilitated an electoral fund donation of ₹509 crores to the DMK. This raises serious questions about the political commerce happening under the guise of the VCK party. Despite being the leader, Thirumavalavan does not control his party; it is influenced by individuals engaged in lottery sales. This is a glaring example of the misuse of Ambedkar’s ideology for political business.”
Criticism of Vijay’s Political Awareness
Annamalai also criticized actor Vijay, the leader of Tamil Nadu Vijay Makkal Iyakkam (TVK), for his comments on the Manipur issue. “Recently, Vijay spoke about the Manipur crisis at a book launch event without understanding the political history of the issue. Before speaking on such sensitive topics, one must be well-informed. It is essential for Vijay to gain a deeper understanding of political affairs.”
Addressing the situation in Manipur, he stated, “Under the BJP government in Manipur, even during violent incidents such as the burning of the Chief Minister’s house and ministers’ residences, the police did not resort to gunfire. It was also during the BJP’s tenure that paramilitary forces were withdrawn, and efforts to curb drug trafficking, which was rampant between 2006 and 2013, were initiated.”
Annamalai invited critics to visit Manipur to witness the situation firsthand and emphasized that the caste-based issues in Manipur require collective efforts to resolve democratically, not through violent or undemocratic means.
Addressing alleged threats from DMK leaders, Annamalai said, “While I was studying at Oxford, Senthil Balaji was learning to count prison bars. If he is courageous, let him file a case against me. I am someone who respects others, but I am not afraid of threats or intimidation.”
The BJP leader also urged the Tamil Nadu government to focus on empowering Dalit communities by granting them political recognition and appointing them to higher positions. He praised Thirumavalavan for his leadership and acknowledged his significant role in Tamil Nadu politics but emphasized accountability for statements made by party leaders.
“If Thirumavalavan claims that he sent Adhav Arjuna to the book launch event, then he must take responsibility for the statements made by Adhav during the event,” Annamalai said.
On Kerala Visit and DMK’s Politics
Commenting on the DMK’s plans to visit Kerala for events commemorating the Vaikom struggle, Annamalai urged them to address Tamil Nadu’s rights being denied by the Kerala government. He challenged the DMK leaders to return with a written agreement from Kerala on resolving these issues.