BJP's K Annamalai refuses to apologise to protesting journalists
In a concerning development, journalists in Tamil Nadu have declared a boycott against Annamalai, a prominent political figure, citing what they deem as trivial issues. The media personnel, allegedly associated with the Dravidian ideology, have come under scrutiny for their perceived bias against Annamalai and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Accusations have surfaced, pointing towards a tendency among Tamil Nadu journalists to align with political interests, particularly favouring the DMK government. Critics argue that this alignment leads to a lack of impartial reporting, turning a blind eye to the government’s anti-democratic measures and shortcomings.
Despite the intermittent protests, media house owners, concerned about declining TRP, have urged journalists to cover Annamalai’s engagements from any angle to ensure their presence.
The recent controversy emerged during a private TV channel interview where Annamalai expressed his view that DMK Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin faced soft questions, likening it to a friendly match. However, his use of colloquial Tamil was deemed derogatory by some journalists. Defiant, Annamalai refused to apologize, and in response to protests, he released a statement and a video explaining the activation of the “first layer of the DMK onion.”
In his post, Annamalai stated, “Today’s protest is the 3rd such protest carried out by this group against me in the last year & I consider it a badge of honour. A few DMK underlings in the garb of journalists cannot decide & dictate the narratives in Tamil Nadu anymore. I stand shoulder-to-shoulder with journalists who put their lives at risk to report the uncomfortable truth & despise those who act as propaganda machinery to please the ruling DMK Govt. They are a shame to their profession!”
Video clippings circulated on social media reveal instances where senior journalists from The Hindu, N. Ram, accused the BJP government of a scam in the Rafale deals. Sun News Editor Gunasekaran was shown spreading purported fake news about former Tamil Nadu CM Karunanidhi not suing anyone for defamation, debunked by a video that exposed Karunanidhi suing Vaiko for defamation in 2006. Sathiyam TV journalist Aravindakshan was seen praising Udhayanidhi and criticising Ilaiyaraaja for praising Modi. Senior journalist AS Pannerselvan expressed admiration for Stalin, envisioning him as the Prime Minister. Thirugnanam, editor of Punnagai media, praised Udhayanidhi as a seasoned politician and criticised the celebration of Jallikkattu, deeming it a gory sport. Journalist Kavitha Muralidharan defended dynastic politics, asserting it was unfair to solely accuse the DMK.
Annamalai’s refusal to apologise led to a group of journalists announcing a demonstration/protest against him on January 25, 2024, in Chennai.
A protest unfolded at Valluvar Kottam in Chennai on January 25, 2024, as journalists and representatives from various journalist associations expressed their dissent over Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai’s alleged derogatory remarks, particularly targeting senior television journalist Karthigaichelvan of News 18 Tamil Nadu.
The controversy arose when Annamalai criticised journalists during an event, singling out N. Ram of The Hindu, accusing him of actively campaigning against BJP candidate Vinoj Selvam in the Harbour constituency. He further commented on the work of journalists, stating, “So, if you people criticise us, we will accept it; you are fully eligible; you have the right to do it, but it becomes problematic when journalists, relying solely on the ruling party, criticise us without contributing anything themselves.”
Annamalai’s remarks continued to address the size of the protest, stating, “14 people are talking there on the stage, 10 people (the media house’s camerapersons) listening to it – 30 people are putting up a protest.”
He also took a swipe at journalist Nakkheeran Gopal, saying, “If Nakkheeran Gopal had brains equivalent to those of his moustache, the progress of Nakkheeran magazine would have been remarkable. That is why Nakkheeran is Tamil Nadu’s No 1 yellow journal; it is our fate.”
The comments led to a swift and vocal backlash from journalists and their associations, who organised the protest at Valluvar Kottam.
During a protest meet in Chennai, N Ram, Director of The Hindu Group, urged journalists to unite and devise a “minimum common programme” against Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai. Ram proposed initiating criminal proceedings against Annamalai, citing him as a repeated offender with a motive. Ram emphasised that journalist Karthigaichelvan was the key to initiating such actions. The alleged ‘Red Card holder’ and ‘pro-Chinese journalist’ suggested boycotting Annamalai, characterising him as an extremist deserving deprivation of oxygen (publicity). Aligning himself with the ruling DMK government’s stance, Ram highlighted his previous publications and articles, showering adulations for the late DMK patriarch Karunanidhi.
During a recent speech, R Gopal, a journalist and Editor of Nakkheeran magazine, referred to Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai as ‘Paradesi,’ a casteist slur denoting a wastrel or wanderer, and labeled him a goat. Gopal announced that the editorial team had decided to cease coverage of Annamalai, displaying a derogatory depiction of him on the magazine’s last issue cover.
Malini Parthasarathy, Director at Kasturi and Sons Ltd., and former Chairperson and Editor at The Hindu Group, expressed concerns about biased and prejudiced news reports on her social media handle. As a significant stakeholder, she felt compelled to address the controversy surrounding derogatory comments made by R Gopal, raising questions about responsible journalism practices.
The Hindu, a renowned English daily, is under scrutiny for alleged dissemination of false information, anti-Hindu propaganda, and a departure from its once impartial journalistic reputation. Accusations include left-leaning ideologies and a marked shift from principles of freedom of speech and expression. The paper’s circulation has reportedly plummeted due to its perceived anti-Hindu stance, prompting mockery and calls for a name change.
In contrast, Nakkheeran, known for sensational news coverage, faced backlash and court-ordered apologies for publishing scandalous, defamatory, and unfounded allegations.
On January 26, the Tamil Nadu Government conferred the Kottai Ameer Communal Harmony Award on Mohammed Zubair of Alt News. However, concerns have arisen over Zubair’s track record of disseminating false information and promoting propaganda against Hindus. Notably, he shared an edited clip of former BJP leader Nupur Sharma, leading to widespread chanting of ‘Sar Tan Se Juda’ slogans and violent attacks against Nupur Sharma. This misinformation campaign tragically resulted in the deaths of several innocent Hindus who had expressed support for Sharma. Despite being out on bail, Zubair received the award.
In another incident, News7 private TV reporter Nesaprabhu made desperate pleas for police protection just moments before a severe assault, captured in a released phone call recording. The attack occurred merely 500 meters away from a police station in Tirupur. Nesaprabhu is currently undergoing treatment for severe injuries at a private hospital in Coimbatore.
These incidents collectively highlight the growing concerns over journalistic practices, alleged biases, and the impact on communal harmony in the media landscape of Tamil Nadu. The controversies surrounding The Hindu and Alt News awardee Mohammed Zubair underscore the delicate balance between freedom of the press and responsible journalism.
Amidst growing concerns over freedom of expression and press freedom in Tamil Nadu, critics have pointed out a perceived bias within the state’s media landscape. Self-styled journalists, instead of condemning recent violent incidents, were observed protesting against Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai, raising questions about the selective stance of certain media outlets.
Critics argue that individuals who post on social media against the DMK government, Chief Minister, ministers, the DMK first family, and minority communities are arrested during midnight, facing charges reminiscent of treating them as terrorists. This alleged zero tolerance for criticism by the Stalin government has raised eyebrows regarding freedom of expression, writing, and press freedom, with accusations that it is selectively denied to those who do not align with the ruling party.
Despite Tamil Nadu having an I&B minister at the national level, certain loose cannons in the media remain untouched. Critics claim that media houses and journalists who align with the ruling family receive perks such as SUVs, foreign trips, panel positions, and free housing sites. They question the loyalty and independence of journalists taking such stands, suggesting external control.
Moreover, concerns extend to the film industry, with allegations of misuse to propagate false narratives, mock castes, ridicule spiritual beliefs, and endorse anti-Hindu, anti-BJP sentiments through scenes and characters.
The situation in Tamil Nadu is described as total anarchy, marked by a failure of constitutional mechanisms and a biased police machinery. Accusations of peddling falsehoods against the central government, coupled with perceived anti-Hindu and pro-minority measures, contribute to the growing unease about the state’s governance and media landscape. The allegations prompt reflections on the state of democratic values and freedom of expression within Tamil Nadu.
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