AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) and BJP state president K Annamalai have once again exchanged heated words, each accusing the other of being responsible for their parties' challenges in Tamil Nadu.
Palaniswami, who previously served as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, argued that the BJP's poor performance in the Lok Sabha elections could be attributed to leaders like Annamalai. On the other hand, Annamalai, the Tamil Nadu BJP chief, retorted by claiming that the AIADMK is being weakened due to the self-serving actions of leaders like EPS.
Speaking to the press in Coimbatore, EPS remarked, "There's a misconception being spread that the BJP only began to flourish in Tamil Nadu after Annamalai assumed leadership. This isn't true. For instance, in the 2014 elections, BJP leader CP Radhakrishnan ran in Coimbatore and lost to the AIADMK candidate by just 42,000 votes. In contrast, in 2024, Annamalai was defeated by the DMK candidate by over 118,000 votes."
Palaniswami continued, "Where is this supposed growth of the BJP? In 2014, the BJP-led NDA had an 18.80 percent vote share in Tamil Nadu. This has now decreased to 18.28 per cent. They received fewer votes this time."
EPS also criticized Annamalai for concentrating on media appearances rather than bringing central government schemes to Tamil Nadu. He said, "Annamalai is busy giving media interviews. What new schemes has he introduced to Tamil Nadu from the Centre since becoming state president? He is merely deceiving the people."
In response, Annamalai called EPS a 'betrayer' and claimed that AIADMK is declining under his leadership. "Right before our eyes, a great party like AIADMK is being dismantled for the selfish gains of a few leaders. Everyone in Tamil Nadu is witnessing this. It's all for their own interests and hunger for power," Annamalai said during his campaign for the upcoming Vikravandi Assembly bye-election.
Annamalai further criticized EPS, saying, "If anyone fits the description of 'betrayer,' it's EPS. Prime Minister Modi may seat him next to him in Delhi, but when he returns to Tamil Nadu, he acts differently, driven by self-interest. AIADMK lost its deposits in numerous places, almost like a Guinness record. People have rejected the party because, although AIADMK might be good, its leaders are not right."
