BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit leader K Annamalai seems to have eased his stance on AIADMK after a discussion between AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi.
When questioned regarding the partnership between BJP and AIADMK, Annamalai stayed tight-lipped. “Our Minister of Home Affairs has addressed the public. Kindly consider his response as the definitive statement regarding this issue.”
Annamalai told the reporters that he had submitted a thorough report to the party leadership after performing an in-depth microanalysis of the political climate in Tamil Nadu. “It would be inappropriate for me to reveal what I discussed. He mentioned that they have thoroughly examined the current and upcoming aspects of Tamil Nadu and the requirements for the well-being of its citizens.”
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Annamalai, who had earlier positioned himself strongly against AIADMK, emphasized that he held no personal animosities towards any party or leader. “I have consistently been transparent about my position. When I addressed the people in Delhi, I mentioned that I am willing to work as a cadre. Please grasp the significance of that,” he insisted, emphasizing that he would never retract his statements.
In the meantime, insiders from both the BJP and AIADMK indicate that the BJP leadership is eager to re-integrate AIADMK into the NDA alliance, even if it necessitates leadership changes within the Tamil Nadu branch. This conjecture received more support after senior AIADMK leader KA Sengottaiyan’s trip to Delhi.
Sengottaiyan, an experienced AIADMK leader from Erode, was previously in the race for the chief minister position after J Jayalalithaa’s passing in 2017. Reports suggest that he has expressed discontent with EPS’s recent choices concerning party positions in Erode, which has resulted in his absence from important AIADMK gatherings.
His trip to Delhi, during which he met with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, was closely succeeded by EPS’s discussion with Amit Shah, intensifying speculation regarding the BJP’s approach in Tamil Nadu.
There are signs that the BJP might view Sengottaiyan as a possible alternative leader within AIADMK, supported by VK Sasikala (‘Chinnamma’).
