Annamalai defends tribute to Karunanidhi

BJP state president K. Annamalai on Tuesday stated that he takes pride in paying tributes to the late DMK leader and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. Speaking to the media after paying respects to the late farmer’s union leader and ex-AIADMK MLA N.S. Palanisamy at his memorial in Tirupur, Annamalai emphasized that there is nothing wrong in honoring Karunanidhi, who served as the state’s Chief Minister five times.

“There is nothing wrong in giving due respects to our five-time Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. But it’s only wrong to fall at one’s feet. The BJP participated in the ₹100 coin release function on the invitation of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin,” Annamalai said, referring to the recent event commemorating Karunanidhi.

Addressing claims about the BJP’s stance on the DMK, Annamalai asserted that the BJP remains the only party that vehemently opposes the DMK. He further explained that when Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the event organized by the state government, it was appropriate for the BJP to participate, especially given the nature of the event.

Annamalai also took the opportunity to thank the Tamil Nadu government for expediting and implementing the Athikadavu-Avinashi scheme, which was fast-tracked following a protest call by the BJP. He urged the state government to commence the second phase of the scheme soon, which aims to fill up 1,400 ponds.

“Serious efforts should also be taken to implement the Anaimalayar-Nallar scheme and Pandiyar-Punnampuzha project. These projects will be brought to the attention of the central government for execution,” Annamalai added.

In a significant announcement, Annamalai revealed that the BJP plans to build a memorial by next year for the three farmers who lost their lives while protesting against the power tariff hike during the DMK regime.

Responding to remarks made by AIADMK general secretary ‘Edappadi’ K. Palaniswami, who accused the BJP of having illicit ties with the DMK, Annamalai dismissed the claims as a sign of Palaniswami’s lack of maturity as a politician.