Madurai, Oct 26:
Congress leader B Manickam Tagore on Sunday alleged that the BJP and the RSS were attempting to create political turmoil in Tamil Nadu through a series of political strategies, including efforts to bring film personalities into politics. He referred to the alleged strategy as “Plan C” and suggested that it could involve a new actor, indirectly pointing to speculation surrounding actor Dhanush.
Speaking to reporters in Madurai after attending a wedding, Tagore alleged that the BJP’s political operations were being directed by its leadership in New Delhi. He claimed that the party’s principal objective was to capture the AIADMK’s traditional vote bank, arguing that cinema had long played a significant role in Tamil Nadu politics.
Tagore said the BJP had previously pursued what he described as “Plan A” by working with AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami and AMMK leader T T V Dhinakaran, but claimed that the electorate had rejected those efforts. He also referred to the BJP’s earlier attempts to persuade actor Rajinikanth to enter politics, which did not result in the launch of a political party.
The Congress leader identified former BJP state president K Annamalai as part of what he called “Plan B”. According to Tagore, Annamalai’s move away from the party and his subsequent activities through a movement resembling a non-governmental organisation did not represent a genuine departure from the BJP’s political approach. He alleged that Annamalai’s statements and actions continued to reflect the party’s ideological position.
Tagore further alleged that Union Home Minister Amit Shah was exercising influence over political developments in Tamil Nadu. His remarks came amid renewed discussion about the possible political entry of actors and a meeting of Dhanush’s women’s wing in Chennai, which drew hundreds of women from across the state.
Reiterating his confidence in the Congress-TVK alliance, Tagore said the Congress, the Indian Union Muslim League and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi had long stood for secularism and social justice. He said the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, had gained public acceptance because of the leader’s popularity.
Tagore asserted that the alliance was strong and would remain in power for a long period. His comments reflect the continuing political contest over the influence of cinema personalities, the AIADMK’s voter base and the BJP’s prospects in Tamil Nadu. The claims about the BJP’s alleged plans and the possible political entry of another actor were allegations made by Tagore and were not independently established.