(Left) Actor Kamal Haasan (Right) K Annamalai
Amidst the scorching heat of the election campaign in Tamil Nadu, the opposition parties have escalated their attacks on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), sensing a looming defeat in the upcoming polls. Accusations, characterised by falsehoods and baseless allegations, are being hurled by leaders of various parties, including the DMK, VCK, and Kamal Hassan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), all part of the AIADMK.
Leading the charge, veteran actor Kamal Hassan, who once positioned himself as a champion against corruption, has now aligned with the very party he once criticised. Hassan’s recent campaign rhetoric has been marked by sensational claims, including one where he purportedly stated that the BJP would shift India’s capital to Nagpur if they were to come to power again.
In response, Tamil Nadu BJP chief Annamalai took to social media to denounce Hassan’s remarks, questioning his mental state and suggesting he undergo a psychiatric evaluation. Annamalai’s scathing rebuke highlighted the absurdity of Hassan’s claims and underscored the BJP’s commitment to countering misinformation.
The escalating rhetoric underscores the desperation of opposition parties as they seek to undermine the BJP’s growing influence in Tamil Nadu. For years, the BJP has faced resistance from Dravidian parties and their allies, who have long propagated a narrative of the BJP being ‘untouchable’ due to misinformation campaigns and ideological differences.
In a recent interview with a Delhi-based journalist known for his pro-Congress stance, former Union minister Dayanidhi Maran, dismissively referred to Tamil Nadu BJP Chief Annamalai as a “Joker” and a “lame duck,” downplaying any political threat posed by him to the DMK. Maran’s remarks came in response to questions about the perceived rise of Annamalai and his impact on the political landscape in Tamil Nadu.
The comments made by Maran drew strong criticism from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who condemned the DMK and its leaders for their dismissive attitude towards Annamalai. PM Modi emphasised that the upcoming elections are not about sending him out of the country but rather about combating corruption, dynasty politics, and drug menace. He underscored the importance of ending the DMK’s alleged anti-national ideology and promoting honest politics.
Reacting to Maran’s remarks, a DMK leader, without naming him, questioned Annamalai’s significance, prompting PM Modi to highlight the arrogance and elitism displayed by those practicing family politics. He asserted that such behaviour goes against Tamil Nadu’s rich cultural heritage and emphasised that the people of Tamil Nadu would not tolerate such arrogance.
Responding to Maran’s dismissive comments, branding him a “Joker,” Annamalai hit back fiercely, labelling the DMK as “one of the ugliest political parties” in the country. Accusing the DMK of perpetuating a culture of abuse and intolerance, Annamalai asserted that he takes the party’s attacks as a badge of honour, emphasising his commitment to serving the people through hard work and dedication.
However, Maran remained unapologetic, standing by his remarks and continuing to belittle Annamalai as an entertainer. The exchange reflects the deep-rooted animosity between the BJP and the DMK, as both parties vie for supremacy in the upcoming elections.
The verbal spat takes on added significance in light of Maran’s history with legal controversies. In January 2019, a special CBI court framed charges against Dayanidhi Maran, his brother Kalanithi Maran, and five others in connection with the alleged illegal telephone exchange case. This legal battle adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing political feud, casting a shadow over Maran’s credibility as a leader.
Despite a previous acquittal in a separate case involving allegations of bribery related to Aircel-Maxis deal, Maran’s past legal entanglements continue to haunt him, providing ammunition for his political opponents.
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