Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stepped forward to defend Tamil Nadu BJP Chief K Annamalai after he faced derogatory remarks from DMK leader Dayanidhi Maran. Modi condemned the “insulting words” directed at Annamalai, emphasising the need for respectful discourse in political dialogue.
The incident occurred during a political event in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, where Dayanidhi Maran reportedly referred to Annamalai as a “joker.” In response, Prime Minister Modi expressed his disapproval of such language, highlighting the importance of maintaining civility and dignity in public discourse.
Annamalai, a prominent figure in Tamil Nadu politics and the BJP, has been actively campaigning in the state ahead of the upcoming elections. His dedication to public service and commitment to addressing the needs of the people have garnered widespread support among voters.
Addressing an election rally in Mettupalayam in Coimbatore, the Prime Minister said those practising family politics stop young leaders from moving forward.
“DMK is a party that is immersed in the arrogance of power. When a senior leader of DMK was asked about our young leader Annamalai, he said in arrogance ‘who is he, who is that’ and used insulting words. This arrogance is against Tamil Nadu’s great culture. The people of Tamil Nadu will never like this arrogance,” PM Modi said.
“For a former police officer, for a youth coming from a backward class, for someone who works so much at the ground level, the words that have been used by DMK, these are its real character. Those who do family politics stop young leaders from moving forward,” he added.
DMK asks…"Annamalai, who is that?"
The answer to such arrogance will come from the people of Tamil Nadu when they vote against DMK. pic.twitter.com/HEJQMT8xAQ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 10, 2024
In an interview with India Today, Dayanidhi Maran, a former union minister, sought to dismiss the challenge posed by Annamalai in the Lok Sabha polls.
“Who’s that? Oh, the joker, you are talking about the joker…Are you overestimating, he is a lame-duck,” Maran said.
He was asked a question about the “fear of Annamali” and if he is the rising star of the BJP.
Annamalai is fighting the Lok Sabha polls from Coimbatore. DMK has fielded Ganapathy P Rajkumar against him.
Maran is contesting Lok Sabha polls from Chennai Central.
All 39 seats in Tamil Nadu will vote in a single phase on April 19 in Lok Sabha polls that will be held in seven phases. Votes will be counted on June 4 . In 2019, the DMK-led alliance swept the Lok Sabha polls in Tamil Nadu, winning 38 of 39 seats. (With Inputs from ANI)
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