BJP Tamil Nadu state president K Annamalai, during a media address in Coimbatore, strongly criticized the ruling DMK government over the state’s law and order situation. His remarks, delivered with visible anger, escalated into symbolic protests as he vowed to walk barefoot until the DMK government is overthrown. Removing his shoes in front of the media, Annamalai declared, “I will not wear chappals until the DMK government goes out,” urging the public to examine the governance issues in Tamil Nadu.
Annamalai also announced plans for self-penance, including flogging himself six times outside his residence in Coimbatore and undertaking a 48-day fast. During this period, he intends to visit the six holy abodes of Lord Murugan across Tamil Nadu as a spiritual gesture against the "evil" he perceives in the state administration.
The press meeting was called in response to the recent sexual assault case of a 19-year-old student at Anna University, which has triggered widespread outrage. Annamalai accused the Tamil Nadu police of mishandling the case, particularly for leaking the First Information Report (FIR), which allegedly revealed the victim’s identity. He criticized the FIR's language, stating it shamed the victim rather than protecting her dignity.
Highlighting the alleged political connections of the accused, Gnanasekharan, Annamalai provided photographs and pamphlets linking him to DMK leaders. He accused the police of failing to include Gnanasekharan, reportedly a repeat offender, on their rowdy list due to his political affiliations.
In his address, Annamalai also criticized the DMK’s approach to politics, alleging that the party was trying to distract from real issues by emphasizing North-South political divides. “I want to spit at the politics being played out in this state,” he said, expressing his frustration.
Earlier, Annamalai had posted on X (formerly Twitter), accusing the Tamil Nadu government and police of failing to protect the identity of the victim through careless handling of the FIR details. This incident has further intensified the BJP’s criticism of the DMK-led administration, with Annamalai positioning himself as a vocal opponent of the ruling party’s governance.
