Tag: AIADMK

NDA-AIADMK breakup | The cost of the alliance was getting too high to bear for the Dravidian party

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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It is the rarest of rare occurrences for the BJP high command to be taken unawares by an alliance partner. Usually, it is the saffron party that carries out sudden strikes debilitating its allies in various states. This time, as the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) in Tamil Nadu announced its breakup from the alliance with the BJP, the party’s top brass were caught by surprise.

The BJP should have seen it coming. As its State President K.Annamalai went hammer and tongs at the AIADMK leaders, past and present, it must have occurred to the party that the Dravidian party, despite being a docile and loyal ally, would have a breaking point. 

When former Chief Minister and AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswamy (EPS) called for a meeting of senior party leaders, MPs and MLAs of the party on September 25, the rumours strengthened that the AIADMK had had enough and wanted to quit the alliance. However, the BJP High Command was somehow led to believe that the AIADMK would pull back from the brink and pass a resolution authorising EPS to take the final decision. When party leader K. P. Munusamy came out of the meeting and announced that the alliance was off, it left the BJP blindsided. 

Normally loquacious, Annamalai was at a loss for words after the announcement and could only say that the party high command would speak about the alliance. The State Unit of the BJP quickly sent out a message asking its leaders not to comment on the split.

Interestingly the AIADMK leaders also were reluctant to comment about the split with EPS, who was visiting a temple in Andhra Pradesh on September 27, shying away from answering any question about the alliance. This led to renewed speculation that a patch up effort was on largely from the BJP side to save the alliance. 

Also Read: Beyond Binaries | NDA-AIADMK breakup — here’s why BJP unable to retain its long-time allies

The AIADMK has had a difficult time dealing with Annamalai. The former IPS officer turned politician has pulled no punches against his former alliance partner, passing derisive remarks about former Chief Minister J.Jayalalithaa who is revered by the AIADMK cadre and then training his guns on one of the founders of the DMK (from which the AIADMK emerged through a split) — former Chief Minister C.N.Annadurai.

The AIADMK had protested during his earlier statement on Jayalalithaa and later even passed a resolution condemning Annamalai for his statement. The party sent a copy of this resolution to the BJP bosses and asked for their intervention in getting Annamalai to tone down his criticism. Subsequently EPS had a meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah where too he is believed to have raised the issue of constant sniping at the AIADMK by Annamalai. 

The AIADMK as a major Dravidian party, albeit a diluted version, has also been at odds with the repeated attacks on Dravidianism by Annamalai. AIADMK has a large vote bank among dominant communities like the Gounders, Mukkulathor and some others rooted, though not too strongly, in the Dravidian ideology. The attempt by Annamalai to convert some of them to the Hindutva ideology was also seen as a threat. 

When none of its entreaties to the BJP High command yielded results the AIADMK concluded that perhaps the High Command was not averse to letting Annamalai speak out and that the cost of the alliance was getting too high to bear. Already AIADMK was being mocked as a slave party of the BJP by the ruling DMK and its allies and to silently bear the taunts was becoming a problem. The loss of minority votes because of the alliance and the fact that potential allies were also getting put off by the presence of BJP in the alliance were additional factors. Eventually the AIADMK decided that the BJP was primarily interested in gulping the AIADMK’s  vote share in order to grow in the State. Seeing what happened to the Shiv Sena in Maharashtra also reinforced that view. 

Over the last 2 days the BJP is believed to have reached out to the AIADMK to placate them and potentially salvage the alliance. However thus far the AIADMK has stood firm in its stance that as long as Annamalai continues as State BJP Chief they have nothing to discuss on the alliance. Changing a State Party President under pressure from another party will not look good for the BJP but at the moment there seems to be little choice for the BJP if they want to save the alliance. 

The BJP since Annamalai took over has certainly grown in the State. Estimates of their vote share range from 7-10 percent up from the 3 percent vote share earlier. However, it still has the image of a Hindi, North Indian party and is far from achieving critical mass to win on its own steam in the State. Its wooing of certain castes like the Devendrakula Vellalars has also not yielded the expected returns. 

For now, the silence on both sides continues, though K.P.Munusamy, on September 28, reiterated that there was no going back on the AIADMK’s decision to break away. The subdued reaction from the BJP shows that they have not lost hopes as yet of salvaging the alliance but key questions remain. If the BJP was so keen on the alliance, why did they let their State President aggressively bash its own ally for several months? Why did they not rein him in when the AIADMK complained multiple times and in writing too? How did they miscalculate that the AIADMK would not pull the plug? For an electoral machine of unsurpassed efficiency that the BJP is, this episode seems to be an out of character slip up. 

For the BJP, which is trying to rebuild the NDA before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the loss of its biggest alliance partner will be a blow, not in terms of the seats they may have won together in Tamil Nadu which was never expected to be significant, but in the perception battle among the public and other potential alliance partners across India. The addition of the JDS in Karnataka has been overshadowed somewhat by the exit of the AIADMK from the NDA. Maybe there is still action left in this alliance saga. But increasingly that looks less likely.

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Win some, lose some — Mapping BJP’s friends and foes

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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You win some, you lose some. The proverb came to life this week as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) forged an alliance with the Janata Dal (Secular) in Karnataka, but lost its ally in Tamil Nadu. The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) severed its four-year old ties with the BJP, walking out of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) months ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The political churning are inevitable in both the NDA and the challenger INDIA Alliance given the high-stakes Lok Sabha battle next year. For BJP particularly, the break-up with the AIADMK is concerning given the party has been trying hard to build a strong presence in the southern states. Barring Karnataka, the BJP is struggling in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Its aim will be to bring as many parties under the NDA umbrella so as to minimise the splitting of votes.

Here is a list of alliance partners who turned away from the BJP:

AIADMK: The AIADMK ended its four-year-old alliance with the BJP in Tamil Nadu on Monday, September 25, and said it would lead a separate front for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The move to call it quits comes days after senior AIADMK leaders called on BJP chief J P Nadda and apprised him about the ground situation in the state arising out of the saffron party’s state chief K Annamalai’s aggressive style of politics. They had then sought Annamalai’s apology for making a remark on Dravidian stalwart CN Annadurai or that he be replaced.

Janata Dal United: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar broke from the BJP for the first time ahead of the 2015 Bihar Assembly elections in the state. The Chief Minister’s ‘ghar waapsi’ happened soon only to walk out of the alliance again. The BJP has made it clear that the doors are closed for Nitish now.

Shiromani Akali Dal: The SAD-BJP alliance broke following the rift over contentious farm bills in 2020. The two have been long-standing partners and have ruled Punjab many a time. The SAD-BJP alliance was often seen as a ‘socio-political’ alliance.

Shiv Sena: The ties between the ‘Sangh Parivaar’ parties strained after the Shiv Sena joined hands with the Congress and the NCP to form the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi alliance government, dissolving its pre-poll alliance with the BJP. In 2022, the BJP engineered a vertical split in the party leading to the collapse of the Uddhav Thackeray government.

PDP: The People’s Democratic Party parted ways with the BJP in the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir after the death of former chief minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed. Since then, there has been no looking back, while the state itself has seen major changes in its composition.

TDP: Chandrababu Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party left the alliance after the BJP denied special status to Andhra Pradesh. The TDP even moved a trust vote against its own government in the Lok Sabha.

BJP’s new allies

NCP: Ajit Pawar faction of NCP joined hands with the Shinde-Fadnavis government in Maharashtra. The party also attended the NDA meet in Delhi giving a clear signal of contesting Lok Sabha elections together.

Shiv Sena: Eknath Shinde faction of the Shiv Sena joined the BJP in June 2022 resulting in the collapse of the Shiv Sena (UBT)-NCP-Congress government. Shinde enjoys the support of at least 35 MLAs in Maharashtra.

JJP: Jannayak Janata Party in Haryana had a post-poll alliance with the BJP after the 2019 state elections. However, there has been no clarity on whether the alliance will continue for the 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.

Parties which support on some issues

These parties support the NDA at the Centre but are rivals at the state level. They support the NDA in Parliament for the passage of bills and during presidential and vice-presidential elections. But fight neck-and-neck during state elections against the BJP. Biju Janata Dal in Odisha, YSR Congress Party in Andhra Pradesh have been supporting the BJP at the Centre.

Pawan Kalyan’s Jana Sena has supported the NDA government at the Centre. It has recently formed an alliance with the TDP for the upcoming Telangana elections. It is to be seen where it will shift in the 2024 General elections.

Overall, there are 36 parties under the NDA umbrella. While the AIADMK is out, JDS is the new entrant keeping the numbers intact.

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Tamil Nadu: AIADMK breaks up with the BJP, to withdraw from NDA today

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Tamil Nadu’s principal opposition party, the AIADMK, has ended its alliance with the BJP. In a post on social media platform X, the party’s general secretary, K Palaniswami said the AIADMK will withdraw from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), today (September 25).

“In a meeting of party secretaries, district secretaries, and MLAs, it has been unanimously decided that the AIADMK will withdraw from the National Democratic Alliance today, thereby respecting the wishes of two crore party workers,” said Palaniswami.

Earlier, the AIADMK conducted a meeting chaired by Palaniswami, where key leadership addressed the issue of the proposed pull-out from the NDA. The party later adopted a resolution, where members unanimously decided to end ties with the BJP.

While reports of disagreements between the BJP and AIADMK normally tend to do the rounds, news of an alliance in jeopardy began to surface a week ago when senior AIADMK leader D Jayakumar addressed the media. “The BJP and AIADMK are no longer allies,” he said, adding that Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai was “unfit” to lead the party in the state.

Also Read: Beyond Binaries | Tumble turn in Maharashtra politics as Ajit Pawar shakes hand across the aisle

While the BJP and AIADMK have been allies since the 2019 General Elections, ties have turned frosty over Annamalai’s comments on erstwhile Dravidian figureheads, including former chief ministers, J Jayalalithaa and CN Annadurai.

As recently as a few weeks ago, Annamalai had criticised Annadurai, alleging that the former chief minister was critical of the Hindu faith at a public meeting in the 1950s. Annamalai even went on to say that freedom fighter Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar took on Annadurai for his comments, after which the chief minister went into hiding.

Several historians have since, debunked the BJP president’s claim, highlighting that the alleged incident never occurred. All mainstream newspapers in Tamil Nadu also pointed out that they carried no news story of this supposed incident. S Duraisamy, a veteran Dravidian leader also confirmed that the incident that Annamalai referred to was pure conjecture.

“As someone involved with politics in the 1950s, I condemn such ignorant talk,” said Duraisamy, “There must be a sense of responsibility attached to holding leadership positions in parties.”

However, it wasn’t the first time that Annamalai irked the AIADMK. In June, while speaking on corruption in Tamil Nadu at an interview with an English daily, the BJP president took aim at former chief minister and AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa. He said the conviction of former chief ministers in corruption cases made Tamil Nadu one of the most corrupt states in India.

In 2014, Jayalalithaa was convicted in a disproportionate assets case along with high-profile aide VK Sasikala. The then-Tamil Nadu Chief Minister died of illness two years later, in 2016.

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No sooner did Annamalai’s comments make headlines in Tamil Nadu, the AIADMK adopted a resolution that came down heavily on his criticism of the former chief minister. The BJP president later backtracked and said he has the “highest respect” for Jayalalithaa, pointing out that he never mentioned her by name.

With a crucial general election approaching and ideological divides in Tamil Nadu clearer now than before, the AIADMK is being seen as keen to divorce the right-wing BJP and Annamalai with whom they have a history of animosity.

After the announcement to end ties with the saffron party, the AIADMK cadres were seen celebrating with fireworks. The four-year-old alliance has ended, even if only for the moment, and the AIADMK is likely to back to fighting the DMK-Congress combine on its own.

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It’s official, AIADMK announces split from BJP and NDA

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) on Monday (September 25) announced its decision to sever all ties with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

The decision was announced during a party meeting held at the AIADMK’s headquarters, Puratchi Thalaivar Dr MGR Maaligai in Chennai.

“The state leadership of the BJP has been continuously making unnecessary remarks on our former leaders, our general secretary EPS and our cadres for the past one year. In today’s meeting, this resolution was passed unanimously,” said the party.

மாண்புமிகு கழகப் பொதுச்செயலாளர் “புரட்சித் தமிழர்” திரு. @EPSTamilNadu அவர்களின் தலைமையில் நடைபெற்ற தலைமைக் கழக செயலாளர்கள், மாவட்டக் கழக செயலாளர்கள், கழக நாடாளுமன்ற, சட்டமன்ற உறுப்பினர்கள் ஆலோசனைக் கூட்டத்தில், 2 கோடி தொண்டர்களின் எண்ணத்திற்கும், விருப்பத்திற்கும் மதிப்பளித்து…

— AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) September 25, 2023

A few days ago, a war of words had broken out over late Dravidian stalwart C.N. Annadurai — regarding certain remarks made by BJP State Chief K. Annamalai about him. Senior AIADMK leader Jayakumar had on September 18 called off the alliance between the two, insisting he was conveying the party’s stand on the issue.

An AIADMK delegation met BJP President J.P. Nadda and Union Minister Piyush Goyal, in-charge of Tamil Nadu, and sought the leadership’s intervention to get an apology out of Annamalai.

(With inputs from PTI)

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BJP and AIADMK are divergent ideologically, says Annamalai rejecting problems with the alliance partner

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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BJP Tamil Nadu President K Annamalai on Thursday asserted that there is no problem between his party and the AIADMK. He also said that he does not have any problem with any AIADMK leader.

The “common thread” that linked like-minded parties in the NDA is Prime Minister Narendra Modi and all who accept his candidature for the post of PM in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls are in the NDA alliance, he said. “Does the AIADMK accept it? Yes,” Annamalai said.

All those who have accepted Modi’s leadership should join hands, he told reporters here.

The BJP leader reiterated that he had not spoken ill of Dravidian icon and late Chief Minister C N Annadurai and had only recounted an incident from 1956. Hence, he said there is no question of tendering an apology.

Late DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi had recalled the same incident during his tenure as chief minister in 1998, he said.

Ideologically, the AIADMK and BJP are divergent, and the differences in terms of ideological standpoints are not unusual and it is not a big deal, he said. “What is important is the common thread, which is Prime Minister Modi and the AIADMK stands for a united nation with a strong leadership to lead it,” he added.

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AIADMK announces snapping ties with BJP, says poll pact can be decided during elections

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The bickering between allies AIADMK and BJP in Tamil Nadu over late Dravidian stalwart CN Annadurai peaked on Monday with the regional party snapping ties with the saffron organisation, saying it cannot tolerate any affront to the late Chief Minister and its other leaders.

The party trained its guns against BJP TN president K Annamalai, saying he was only keen to “promote” himself and was therefore targeting late Dravidian stalwarts Annadurai, fondly addressed as Anna (elder brother), EV Ramasamy Periyar and late AIADMK veterans MG Ramachandran (MGR) and J Jayalalithaa.

Responding, the BJP said the Dravidian party “has a problem,” with its growth as well as the growing stature of a young leader like Annamalai.

The development came days after AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami met BJP veteran and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi.

Senior AIADMK leader D Jayakumar, lashing out at Annamalai for his criticism of Annadurai, said his party workers will not tolerate any insult to the late CM.

While Annamalai had made critical remarks about AIADMK leaders including the late J Jayalalithaa in the past, the party had sought that the former be restrained.

“Annamalai doesn’t desire an alliance with AIADMK although BJP workers want it. Should we tolerate all this criticism of our leaders? Why should we carry you? BJP can’t set foot here. Your votebank is known. You are known because of us,” the former minister told reporters here while lashing out at the BJP and its state unit president.

“We can’t tolerate anymore (the criticism of leaders). As far as the alliance is concerned, it is not there. BJP is not with AIADMK. (the matter) can be decided only during the election. This is our stand,” he said.

Asked if this was his personal opinion, Jayakumar asked, “have I ever spoken to you in that capacity. I only talk what the party decides.” A tall leader, Annadurai founded the DMK in 1949 and in 1967 heralded Tamil Nadu’s first non-Congress government post-independence and is respected across party lines.

MGR, who founded the AIADMK in 1972, named it the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, as he had great reverence for Annadurai.

Jayakumar said Anna was a respected scholar who ushered in TN’s growth and that “we revere him.

“Our party has his (Annadurai) name. To promote himself, he belittles Periyar. He didn’t budge even after condemnation. It is against coalition dharma; no AIADMK worker will accept this. Annamalai is unfit to be a leader and he is keen only about promoting him. What right have you got to talk about Periyar, EPS (Palaniswami), Amma (Jayalalithaa) and MGR. AIADMK workers will never accept this,” Jayakumar added.

“He is arrogant. Alliance (between the two) is not there, can be decided only during election. Suddenly he speaks about our leaders– how can we accept criticism of leaders. If he is not budging even after (AIADMK) taking up with (BJP) high command, then it means such things are happening with their knowledge,” he said.

The AIADMK had nothing to lose over the alliance-related development. “They are the losers,” he said about the BJP. He repeatedly claimed the BJP and Annamalai will fare badly electorally without the AIADMK.

He warned that if Annamalai doesn’t cease from targeting such tall leaders, he will be given a fitting reply.

Responding to the matter, Amar Prasad Reddy, close aide of Annamalai, said the AIADMK was unable to stand the growing popularity of the BJP and its state chief, and therefore made such an announcement.

“Annamalai is a principled politician, he cannot bend for corruption or wrong policies. He was only referring to some historical event,” regarding Annadurai, Reddy, BJP State President, Sports and Skill Development Cell, told PTI.

Annamalai also spoke highly of Annadurai, he added.

“They don’t like BJP’s growth and recognition and the youths’ response to Annamalai. Probably this is the era where we are moving from a fake Dravidian ideology to a nationalist one,” Reddy added.

BJP is getting very strong roots and “they are unable to digest a 38-year-old guy creating a huge impact,” with his “En Mann, En Makkal” padayatra (foot march), he said.

“We won’t retract any of Annamalai’s statement as they are factual,” Reddy asserted.

AIADMK and BJP have been sparring over the last few days over Annamalai’s criticism of Annadurai.

On September 11, leading a demonstration against Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister P K Sekar Babu for his participation in the ‘Sanatana Dharma’ eradication conference here, Annamalai had made a comment on Annadurai.

The BJP leader said Anna had in the 1950s made a critical remark in Madurai against the Hindu faith at an event, and that it was staunchly opposed by freedom fighter Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar.

Senior AIADMK leader and former minister C Ve Shanmugam had earlier said there is no basis or proof for what Annamalai has claimed and that the BJP leader has no locus standi to comment on Anna.

Former ministers and AIADMK leaders Jayakumar and Sellur K Raju also had strongly opposed Annamalai’s remark. It was against civility to speak ill of departed leaders, they had said.

Speaking to reporters in Coimbatore on Sunday, Annamalai asked if what he had said about Anna was wrong. He asserted that he is in politics to protect Sanatana Dharma and Tamil culture.

He insisted that he did not speak ill of Anna and had only mentioned an event from the pages of history and the manner in which Muthuramalinga Thevar had defended Sanatana Dharma.

To substantiate his claim, the BJP leader said, he had copies of news reports that appeared in the month of June in 1956 in a top national English daily.

Shanmugam had said as Annamalai had criticised the Dravidian icon even while the AIADMK and BJP were in alliance, it led to a suspicion that he may have an ulterior motive, and wondered whether the BJP leader, by “joining hands with the DMK,” does not want the NDA to win the Lok Sabha polls in Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Nadu has 39 Lok Sabha seats while neighbouring Puducherry has one.

Also Read:AIADMK passes resolution against Tamil Nadu BJP chief Annamalai for taking a dig at Jayalalithaa

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PM Modi’s 3rd term: BJP to launch 6-month ‘En Mann, En Makkal’ yatra in Tamil Nadu ahead of 2024 general election

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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In a strategic move to consolidate its position and popularity in Tamil Nadu ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced the launch of a 6-month long rally called the “En Mann, En Makkal” yatra.

Covering an extensive distance of over 1,770 km, the padyatra will commence on July 28, led by the BJP’s Tamil Nadu faction, with the objective of garnering a strong mandate for the upcoming general elections and securing Prime Minister Narendra Modi a third term.

The rally will be inaugurated by Home Minister Amit Shah from Rameswaram on Friday evening, with the actual padayatra set to begin on July 29. A video showcasing the campaign vehicle for the yatra has already been circulating online, signaling the party’s commitment to make its presence felt in the state.

VIDEO | Campaign vehicle of Tamil Nadu BJP President @annamalai_k for the six-month-long ‘En Mann, En Makkal’ (My Land, My People) yatra to be launched today.

The yatra, which will cover 234 assembly constituencies in the state, will be launched by Union Home Minister Amit Shah… pic.twitter.com/Xdjvk4woWY

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 28, 2023

The rally will be carried out in five phases covering all 234 assembly constituencies and 39 Parliamentary constituencies in Tamil Nadu. It is scheduled to end on January 11, 2024,  and will take 168 days, K Annamalai, the BJP state president said.

The responsibility of leading the padayatra, covering a distance of over 1,770 km on foot and the remaining in rural areas by vehicle, will be shouldered by K Annamalai himself. The BJP has also planned to organise ten major rallies during the yatra, with at least one central minister addressing each of them.

This yatra is not about the vote back, Annamalai claims. “It is about bringing PM Modi back to power for a third straight term,” he told reporters, hours before the yatra’s commencement.

Why Tamil Nadu?

In the 2021 election, Tamil Nadu’s ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party ended the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)’s decade-long run despite them joining the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance. The BJP is now adamant on making a return to the state.

“India’s story is incomplete without Tamil Nadu,” BJP state president K Annamalai claimed, writing a letter on the rally on its official website.

During the yatra, the BJP will focus on highlighting the achievements of PM Modi’s leadership and garnering the support of the people to ensure his return for a third successive term, the party said.

The BJP also aims to showcase its “positive impact on people’s lives,” constituency-wise. To further inform the public, about one lakh copies of the book titled “What Did Modi Do” will be distributed.

The saffron party’s strategy is to connect with the people, encouraging them to shift their support from the DMK and align with the BJP. This campaign seeks to consolidate the party’s position and popularity in Tamil Nadu, setting the stage for the 2024 Lok Sabha election.

With agency inputs.

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Expelled partymen may join party again if they apologise, says AIADMK

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) on Tuesday said those who were expelled from the party should tender an “apology” if they choose to join the party again. Hours after expelled leader O Panneerselvam’s (OPS) camp said it would hold a statewide protest on August 1 seeking expeditious probe into the Kodanad heist-cum-murder case, Palaniswami recalled the party norm for re-admission since the days of party founder M G Ramachandran.

The practice has been the same during the tenure of late party matriarch J Jayalalithaa as well, EPS, the top party leader said in a statement. It was a usual practice to take disciplinary action against those who violated party ideology, its goals and policies. Realising their mistakes, when such persons furnish a letter of apology to the general secretary, they would be considered as party members following formal re-admission.

Hence, those who were expelled from the party, if they choose to join again, must follow the norm, Palaniswami asserted. Though EPS’s statement appeared to be an “open invite” to OPS and his loyalists to strengthen the party, it is also seen as a veiled taunt against them.

The AIADMK has repeatedly dubbed the OPS’s camp as DMK’s ‘B-team’, and EPS has also insisted on an “apology” for reinduction, which may not serve as a face saver for the expelled leaders. AIADMK leaders had also in the past ruled out taking OPS back into the party and had labelled him a “betrayer”. Palaniswami’s statement also comes days after a Villupuram district-based office-bearer was expelled for taking part in an event presided by BJP state chief K Annamalai.

Reportedly, the AIADMK is among the parties that have been invited by the BJP to take part in the NDA meet in Delhi next week while the OPS camp has not been invited.

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Senthil Balaji arrest Highlights: ED claims Balaji ‘misused his office’

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Senthil Balaji arrest LIVE Updates | Madras High Court has started hearing the habeas corpus petition filed by Balaji’s wife. Meanwhile, police have been deployed at Omandurar government hospital in Chennai where Tamil Nadu Electricity Minister Senthil Balaji was admitted on Wednesday. Balaji was sent to the judicial custody till June 28 in connection with the the cash for jobs scam. Follow LIVE Updates here:

After a nearly 17-hour raid and interrogation, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested at around 1 am on Wednesday.

The arrest triggered massive backlash from non-BJP parties, especially from Tamil Nadu’s ruling DMK, which called the arrest an act of vendetta, an allegation denied by state BJP chief K Annamalai. Balaji, who complained of uneasiness and was detected with blockages in his heart and advised to undergo bypass surgery, was sent to judicial custody till June 28.

The ED on its part informed a local court that Balaji and his wife’s accounts showed unaccounted cash worth Rs 1.6 crore, and based on statements of witnesses, this clearly pointed to money laundering.

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To part or to stay: Annamalai risks AIADMK alliance, puts BJP’s Tamil Nadu prospects in a bind

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai’s statement, purportedly attacking former state Chief Minister and AIADMK chief late J Jayalalithaa over corruption, has ignited a controversy within the BJP-AIADMK alliance. It has raised questions about the future of their partnership and the BJP’s prospects in Tamil Nadu.

Following the controversy, the AIADMK said Annamalai was forcing them to “reconsider the alliance” with the BJP even though it has a “good relationship” with the central leadership.

In an interview with an English daily, Annamalai referred to Tamil Nadu as the most corrupt state in India and criticised former chief ministers. His comments assume significance as he was asked about the 1991-1996 period when Tamil Nadu was ruled by the AIADMK under Jayalalithaa.

AIADMK leaders have accused Annamalai of deliberately undermining the alliance’s success and even accused him of obstructing the re-election of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the BJP.

“Instead of criticising the common and permanent enemy, the DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam), Annamalai has criticised our leader who has passed away…Annamalai has made every AIADMK cadre furious today,” said former state minister and AIADMK spokesperson D Jayakumar.

“Annamalai’s actions appear like he doesn’t want the alliance between the BJP and the AIADMK to continue and, at the same time, he doesn’t want Narendra Modi to become the Prime Minister again. Annamalai’s intention is that the BJP-AIADMK alliance shouldn’t win parliamentary seats in Tamil Nadu so that Modi doesn’t become the Prime Minister.”

Jayakumar further asked whether the BJP won in “Karnataka despite his election campaign in that state”. “Why doesn’t he talk about the corruption allegations in Karnataka during the Assembly election,” he added.

The party has demanded that Annamalai be reined in. It also passed a resolution, which former CM and AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami read out, “The interview given by Annamalai against our leader Jayalalithaa was made with an ulterior motive. It has hurt the sentiments of party cadres and we strongly condemn it.”

Prominent ousted AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam and AMMK chief TTV Dhinakaran, too, joined the chorus of criticism, labelling Annamalai as “immature” and lacking an understanding of state politics.

The AIADMK’s response reflects the deep resentment within the party. Their denunciation further weakens Annamalai’s position and indicates the existence of deep divisions within the Tamil Nadu political landscape.

This public confrontation poses a significant challenge to the unity and stability of the BJP-AIADMK alliance.

Annamalai downplays controversy

Even though Annamalai attempted to downplay the controversy, he emphasised his commitment to pursuing his own policies.

“I don’t want to mortgage my dream policies for the future of Tamil Nadu. I don’t need anyone to tell me how to lead an alliance party and alliance leaders. Just because we’re in an alliance, we can’t say everything the alliance wants,” he said, according to a report in the Tamil daily Dinamani.

However, this response does little to address the concerns raised by AIADMK and others, highlighting a significant discord between Annamalai’s stance and that of his alliance partners.

The BJP’s alliance with the AIADMK is further complicated by Annamalai’s continuous attacks on the DMK government over corruption allegations.

His persistent criticism of the ruling party demonstrates a willingness to challenge and confront established political forces in the state. While this may appeal to certain sections of the electorate, it has also strained the relationship with AIADMK leaders, who themselves have faced corruption allegations.

Anti-corruption stance

Annamalai’s discontent with the AIADMK is not solely rooted in corruption issues but also extends to the poaching of BJP leaders by the AIADMK. The defection of several BJP members to the AIADMK has irked Annamalai, further fueling his belief that the BJP can succeed independently in Tamil Nadu.

The state BJP’s support for Annamalai’s stance adds another layer of complexity to the situation. The party’s backing of Annamalai’s padayatra, a foot march covering all 234 assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu, suggests a tacit endorsement of his independent aspirations.

However, AIADMK’s Jayakumar said that the BJP’s success in the 2021 assembly election was due to the alliance with AIADMK, emphasising the importance of their partnership and questioning whether Annamalai can deny this fact.

Going alone?

These developments raise the question on whether the BJP, led by K Annamalai, can withdraw from its alliance with AIADMK and achieve a majority of seats independently in Lok Sabha and assembly polls in Tamil Nadu. While Annamalai’s confidence in the BJP’s prospects may be fuelled by his grassroots support and the party’s growing presence in the state, it is essential to consider the political landscape and the challenges the BJP faces.

Tamil Nadu has historically been dominated by two major Dravidian parties, DMK and AIADMK, with the BJP, and its bete noire Congress, playing a relatively minor role since 1967 when DMK stormed to power and Tamil Nadu has not looked back at a national party.

If going alone, the BJP will have to contend with the strong existing political dynamics and the established voter base of the AIADMK and the DMK. These parties have deep-rooted support networks, cadre mobilisation capabilities, and a long-standing history in Tamil Nadu politics, making them formidable opponents. No other party, even regional parties based in Tamil Nadu, have achieved the massive success levels seen by these two parties.

Additionally, Tamil Nadu has a history of voting on regional and identity-based lines, with Dravidian politics deeply ingrained in the state’s consciousness. The BJP, as a national party with a different ideological and cultural background — that is prominently perceived as strongly north Indian, Hindutva- and Hindi-imposing — may face strong resistance in appealing to the sentiments and aspirations of Tamil voters.

Why alliance matters

However, the party’s recent entry into the state assembly with four MLAs is indeed noteworthy, but it is primarily attributed to the alliance with the AIADMK, as highlighted by AIADMK leader Jayakumar. This indicates that the BJP’s identity and electoral success in Tamil Nadu has been intertwined with its alliance partners, as has been the fate of the Congress.

Furthermore, the recent controversy surrounding Annamalai’s comments and the backlash from the AIADMK and other parties indicate the potential backlash and negative perception the BJP may face if it were to sever ties with its alliance partner.

There is also a strong sentiment attached to political leaders of Tamil Nadu, and the targeted attacks may sway people away from the saffron party.

Public sentiment can play a crucial role in electoral outcomes, and any damage to the BJP’s image resulting from the fallout of the alliance could impact its chances of winning majority seats.

While Annamalai has garnered attention and support from certain sections of the electorate with his anti-corruption stance and direct attacks on rival parties, his appeal may not necessarily translate into a sweeping electoral victory for the BJP. Tamil Nadu’s electoral landscape is complex, and winning a majority of seats alone would require a significant shift in the political dynamics and voter preferences.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow