Tamil Nadu BJP Chief Annamalai calls J Jayalalithaa a staunch Hindu leader; AIADMK denounces remarks

Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai reiterated his belief that former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa was a devoted Hindutva leader during a meeting with BJP district secretaries and state-level functionaries. He challenged present AIADMK leaders to a debate on this assertion, citing Jayalalithaa’s past actions in support of Hindutva causes.

Addressing a gathering of BJP district secretaries and state-level functionaries at a private marriage hall in Arumbakkam, Annamalai highlighted Jayalalithaa’s involvement in a signature campaign supporting the construction of the Ram temple in 1993. He emphasized that she had obtained a staggering 20 lakh signatures for the campaign, with senior BJP leader LK Advani participating in the valedictory event held in Chennai. Annamalai further pointed out that in 2003, Jayalalithaa publicly advocated for the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, questioning any alternative location for its establishment.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Annamalai defended his stance, stating, “Indeed, Jayalalithaa was an ardent Hindutvavadi. Hindutva is a way of life according to the SC verdict, and it encompasses everyone.” He pointed out Jayalalithaa’s contributions to temple consecrations, renovations, and her acceptance of temple honors, citing instances where she donated elephants, cash, and other resources to temples.

Annamalai further highlighted Jayalalithaa’s opposition to Article 370 of the Indian Constitution during her time as a Rajya Sabha member in 1984, inviting questions about the AIADMK’s current stance on the matter. He refrained from delving into the anti-conversion bill introduced by Jayalalithaa’s government but did mention her role in establishing Vedha Padachala in 1991.

Annamalai concluded his statements by questioning the controversy surrounding the recognition of Jayalalithaa as a staunch Hindutva leader. He asked, “Now tell me, what is wrong in calling Jayalalithaa a staunch Hindutva leader?”

He said, “Again, on November 23, 1992, Jayalalithaa, while speaking at the National Integration Council meeting, supported the ‘karseva’ for the Ram temple. Moreover, she urged the union government to declare Ram Setu as a national monument. Jayalalithaa filed a writ petition in this regard before the SC “When the RSS headquarters in Chennai was destroyed in a bomb blast, the then CM, Jayalalithaa, came forward to rebuild it. But the Tamil Nadu unit of RSS declined that offer. What is wrong in me calling Jayalalithaa a Hindutvavadi.  Had Jayalalithaa been alive now, she would have been the first person to visit the Ram Temple in Ayodhya because she spoke about the temple more vigorously than BJP cadres.”

Recalling her statements in support of UCC, Annamalai said that in 2003, Jayalalithaa publicly expressed her support for UCC. But in July 2023, AIADMK opposed it.

South Chennai Lok Sabha candidate and former Telangana Govoernor Dr Tamil Isai Soundararajan told reporters “ If Jayalalithaa were alive, she would have visited the Ram Temple and would have appreciated it by saying that the 500 year old dream of India was fulfilled”.

Reacting strongly to Annamalai’s claims, AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Satya labelled him as a political novice in Tamil Nadu politics. Satya accused Annamalai of seeking attention by becoming a rabble-rouser and criticised his understanding of Hindutva, suggesting that BJP members lack comprehension of its true meaning.

Annamalai’s comments in praise of Jayalalithaa’s Hindutva tint are not new. In a recent interview with PTI on May 23, he lauded Jayalalithaa as a superior Hindutva leader compared to others in Tamil Nadu. He claimed that Jayalalithaa’s Hindu identity made her the natural choice for Hindu voters pre-2014, highlighting her open display of Hindu ethos.

In response to Annamalai’s assertions, senior AIADMK leader D Jayakumar condemned his remarks, asserting that Jayalalithaa transcended religious divides and was a leader for people of all faiths. He emphasised her unwavering commitment to respecting and protecting the religious beliefs of all communities, declaring that her legacy as a leader embracing religious diversity would endure in Tamil Nadu’s history.

Furthermore, Jayalalithaa’s confidante, V K Sasikala, criticised Annamalai’s comment, attributing it to his ignorance and flawed understanding of the former chief minister.

Sources within the BJP have hinted at the possibility of a poor performance by the AIADMK in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Efforts are reportedly underway by certain senior leaders, including founding members, to sideline the current General Secretary, Edapadi K Palaniswamy, over his perceived pro-minority stance. It is speculated that post-election results, AIADMK could face a split, with some members mentally prepared to align with BJP’s ideologies.

Speaking confidently, TN BJP President K Annamalai claimed that the BJP is poised to surprise everyone by securing at least 10 seats out of the 39 in the state during the vote counting on June 4. In a recent meeting, party functionaries were instructed to prepare for a significant victory and celebrate accordingly. However, leaders of the I.N.D.I.A bloc, who dream of forming the government at the Centre, were cautioned that their aspirations might only last until 11 am on June 4.