In the dynamic and often turbulent world of Tamil Nadu politics, one man has emerged as a key figure in the recent shake-up – K Annamalai. A former Indian Police Service (IPS) officer who transitioned into politics, Annamalai’s assertive style and statements have played a significant role in the strained relationship between the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The rift eventually led to the AIADMK’s exit from the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Annamalai’s Political Journey
K Annamalai, aged 39, left the IPS in 2019 and joined the BJP around a year later. In July 2021, he was elevated to the position of the state BJP chief. His arrival in Tamil Nadu politics marked a turning point as the BJP aimed to expand its influence in the state, which has been traditionally dominated by the DMK and AIADMK for over five decades.
Annamalai adopted an aggressive political stance as he sought to bolster the BJP’s presence in Tamil Nadu, a move that discomforted the AIADMK, its NDA ally. The tension between the two parties escalated, ultimately resulting in the AIADMK’s decision to withdraw from the NDA.
The Controversy Surrounding Annamalai
The immediate trigger for the AIADMK’s departure from the NDA was Annamalai’s claim that Dravidian stalwart CN Annadurai had apologized to Forward Bloc leader late U Muthuramalinga Thevar for allegedly insulting Hinduism. The AIADMK vehemently denied this assertion, leading to simmering tensions between the two parties for several months.
The situation escalated on September 11 when Annamalai cited a historical anecdote from 1956 to support his claim about Annadurai’s apology, further straining the relations.
AIADMK leader KP Munuswamy accused the BJP’s state unit of insulting Annadurai and the late former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa and criticized their ideology. Although no names were mentioned, the reference was seen as directed at Annamalai.
BJP Leadership’s Support for Annamalai
The BJP’s top leadership, including party chief JP Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, met with a delegation from the AIADMK in a last-ditch attempt to address the Annamalai issue. However, the AIADMK’s withdrawal from the NDA underscored the significant backing that Annamalai enjoys from the BJP leadership. In July, Amit Shah addressed Annamalai as “thambi” (younger brother) in Tamil and praised his political work.
Annamalai’s Background
Born in 1984 in Thottampatti village in Tamil Nadu’s Karur district, Annamalai pursued engineering studies in Coimbatore and earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the prestigious Indian Institute of Management Lucknow. He served as the Deputy Police Commissioner of Bengaluru South before leaving the IPS in June 2019, around the time when superstar Rajinikanth was launching his political party.
Mixed Reactions to Annamalai’s Political Role
While Annamalai has been credited with bringing the BJP into the mainstream of Tamil Nadu politics, his assertive style and approach have not been without criticism. Some within the state BJP unit have accused him of sidelining party veterans and long-time workers.
Intriguingly, Annamalai had reportedly threatened to exit politics during a closed-door BJP meeting earlier in the year if the alliance with the AIADMK persisted. His comments on Jayalalithaa’s conviction in a disproportionate assets case had also prompted the AIADMK to pass a resolution against him in June.
As the AIADMK formally exits the NDA, K Annamalai remains a prominent and polarizing figure in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, leaving behind a trail of controversy and transformation in his wake. Annamalai has consistently portrayed himself as a leader committed to clean and corruption-free politics, aiming to reshape the political narrative in the state.
Sources By Agencies
