AIADMK’s BJP ties on hold, pre-election choices awaited

The AIADMK-BJP alliance has hit a pause button in Tamil Nadu due to the AIADMK’s displeasure over remarks made by the state BJP chief, K Annamalai, about the late CN Annadurai, who mentored AIADMK founder MGR. The AIADMK, whose name is based on MGR’s initials, has decided to reconsider the alliance before the
elections.
AIADMK leader D Jayakumar expressed this stance on behalf of the party. Mr Jayakumar criticised Annamalai, stating that he is not suitable to be the BJP’s state president. He accused Annamalai of making negative comments about past leaders solely for personal gain. Jayakumar pointed to Annamalai’s previous remarks about J Jayalalithaa, which strained the alliance back in June. At that time, the AIADMK had requested that the state BJP chief be more restrained in his statements. Jayakumar emphasized that AIADMK members will not tolerate any disrespect towards their late chief minister. Annamalai has a reputation for criticizing both the ruling DMK and his own ally, AIADMK, equally. This has led to concerns within the AIADMK about whether the former IPS officer is acting on behalf of the BJP’s central leadership, which is eager to make a mark in the state before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. In the past, the BJP, which has a minimal presence in the state, has often tried to position itself as the dominant force in the alliance, taking advantage of the internal divisions within the AIADMK. The ongoing power struggle between AIADMK’s O Panneerselvam and E Palanisami, who initially approved the alliance, has resurfaced since their party lost to the DMK in the last assembly election. Back in March, Mr. Annamalai expressed reservations about aligning with the AIADMK for the 2024 election, which didn’t sit well with senior AIADMK leaders. Even though there were amicable relations, Jayalalithaa had refrained from forming an alliance with the BJP for a long time, viewing the party as incompatible with Dravidian politics.
“Annamalai doesn’t seem interested in an alliance with the AIADMK, despite the desire of BJP workers. Should we tolerate all this criticism of our leaders? Why should we carry the BJP? Their political influence here is limited. Their voter base is well-known, and their recognition is partly due to us,” a former minister told reporters.
“We can’t endure any more criticism of our leaders,” he added. When asked if this was his personal opinion, Mr. Jayakumar clarified, “Have I ever spoken to you as an individual? I only convey the party’s decisions.” It’s worth noting that the AIADMK has faced defeats in all elections where it partnered with the BJP, including the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and the 2021 assembly elections. Consequently, the party is increasingly perceiving the BJP as a burden rather than an asset.