BJP national general council member K. Annamalai on Tuesday dismissed speculation about a possible alliance between actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and the AIADMK-led NDA, stating that no negotiations were taking place and that ideological differences made such a partnership unlikely.
Responding to questions from reporters, Annamalai said the BJP’s position had already been clarified by state party president Nainar Nagenthran.
“As far as Vijay is concerned, I have already spoken about this several times. Our party president Nainar Nagenthran has repeatedly clarified that no such talks are taking place,” he said.
Highlighting the ideological gap, Annamalai used a metaphor to explain why an alliance was unlikely. “In my view, tea and coffee can never mix. The reason is that the ideologies are different,” he said.
He added that the NDA alliance in Tamil Nadu, led by the AIADMK, remained politically strong and was fully prepared to face the upcoming Assembly elections.
Earlier in the day, Annamalai appeared before the Metropolitan Magistrate Court in Saidapet in connection with a defamation case filed by DMK organisation secretary R.S. Bharathi.
Speaking to reporters outside the court complex, he also addressed concerns over the recent rise in LPG cylinder prices and reports of supply disruptions.
Annamalai attributed the situation to geopolitical tensions affecting shipping routes in the Gulf region.
“A large portion of India’s LPG imports comes from Saudi Arabia and passes through the Strait of Hormuz. After the conflict involving Iran, the passage has faced disruptions, creating an unusual situation for shipping,” he said.
He noted that due to supply constraints, the booking interval for commercial LPG cylinders had been extended from 21 days to 25 days.
However, Annamalai urged the public not to panic, stating that the Union government had adequate reserves and contingency measures in place.