In a dramatic display of protest, Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai whipped himself six times on Friday morning in a video that has gone viral across social media. The act, performed in front of an enthusiastic crowd, was part of Annamalai’s broader protest against the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government in the state.
The video, shared by news agency ANI, shows Annamalai standing shirtless and wearing a green lungi, holding a large whip. To the sound of slogans from the crowd, he proceeds to flog himself six times. A seventh lash is stopped when a supporter runs in, dodges the whip, and hugs Annamalai, who appears to be momentarily moved by the gesture.
The self-flagellation was part of Annamalai’s vow to kickstart a major protest, which includes a 48-day fast and a pledge to go barefoot as he leads the charge against the state government. The protest is aimed at ensuring the defeat of the DMK in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
After the flogging, Annamalai addressed the media, explaining the cultural context behind his actions. “Anybody understanding Tamil culture will understand this,” he said, referring to the act of flogging oneself as a form of self-punishment deeply rooted in local traditions. “This is not against any person or thing, but against a continuous injustice happening in the state.”
Annamalai’s protest was spurred by the recent sexual assault of a student at Anna University in Chennai, which he described as the tipping point for his actions. The assault, which also involved the thrashing of the male friend of the victim, sparked outrage and led to the arrest of a 37-year-old man who ran a roadside food stall. Police have stated that the man has confessed to the crime.
This incident has become the focal point of a political battle between the DMK, led by Chief Minister MK Stalin, and opposition parties like the BJP and AIADMK, who were once allies but have since fallen out. Annamalai has criticized the DMK government for fostering an environment of lawlessness and corruption, calling the state under Stalin’s administration a “breeding ground for unlawful activities” and a “haven for criminals.”
The BJP leader’s protest is set to continue with his 48-day fast, and Annamalai has vowed to further intensify his efforts to rally public support against the DMK ahead of the upcoming election. While his dramatic act of self-flagellation has drawn mixed reactions, it has certainly brought attention to the political tensions in Tamil Nadu.
Sources By Agencies
