Sugunapuram Palanisamy Velumani, a prominent leader of the AIADMK, vehemently criticized the Tamil Nadu BJP chief, Annamalai, during an event in Coimbatore. Velumani's criticism stemmed from Annamalai's recent statement, in which he alleged that the late Chief Minister CN Annadurai had insulted Hinduism in 1956. Velumani questioned Annamalai's suitability to make such remarks, particularly in his capacity as a member of their political alliance.
Expressing his concerns, Velumani emphasized that making such comments was inappropriate, especially considering their political alliance. He firmly asserted that no one, including Annamalai, had the authority to speak ill of the beloved late leader Jayalalithaa, also known as "Amma." Velumani highlighted that even during the era of Jayalalithaa, a resolution had been passed against Annamalai for his comments. He further questioned Annamalai's eligibility to make such statements about Anna (CN Annadurai).
The rift between the AIADMK and BJP, who have been in an alliance since 2019, escalated following Annamalai's assertion that Annadurai had made derogatory remarks about Hinduism during an event in Madurai. In response to Annamalai's claims, senior AIADMK leader D Jayakumar declared that their party was no longer aligned with the BJP.
Velumani emphasized the importance of maintaining their self-respect within the alliance and expressed dissatisfaction with leaders who make arbitrary statements despite being part of a coalition. He lauded the measured and thoughtful approach of AIADMK leader EPS when he spoke and contrasted it with the behaviour of leaders who freely expressed their opinions regardless of the alliance.
Notably, in June, the AIADMK passed a resolution against Annamalai following his indirect comments about the former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. Annamalai's statements in an interview regarding corruption and convictions of former chief ministers in graft cases sparked controversy and led to the resolution.
