AIADMK breaks up with BJP, passes resolution to exit NDA
Tamil Nadu's All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) has severed ties with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The party's Deputy General Secretary, KP Munusamy, made the announcement on Monday after a unanimous resolution was passed by AIADMK MPs, MLAs, and district chiefs. The party workers celebrated the move by bursting firecrackers at the AIADMK headquarters in Chennai.
Why does this story matter?
This comes nearly two weeks after Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai alleged that CN Annadurai, Tamil Nadu's first chief minister, insulted Hinduism in 1956 and had to hide until he issued an apology. The AIADMK, which was founded on the principles set by Annadurai, accused Annamalai of deliberately insulting the Dravidian icon. The rift assumes importance as the Lok Sabha elections are approaching.
BJP against replacing Annamalai as Tamil Nadu head
Notably, the AIADMK and BJP leadership met in New Delhi on Saturday. During the meeting, the former was steadfast about its demand for an apology from Annamalai or his replacement by a "non-controversial leader." The demand for replacing Annamalai didn't sit well with the BJP since he has been instrumental in "reviving the party" in TN, BJP's M Chakravarthy said.
Annamalai's statement came amid Sanatan row
To note, Annamalai's remarks against Annadurai came against the backdrop of Tamil Nadu minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader Udhayanidhi Stalin calling for eradicating Sanatan Dharma. The BJP has been trying to project its opposition parties as anti-Hindu, and Annamalai's remarks allegedly sought to club the AIADMK with the DMK to make space for the BJP in the state.
Annamalai tried to smear Jayalalithaa
Reportedly, Annamalai previously criticized AIADMK icon and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, too. Following the episode, the AIADMK asked the BJP to rein him in. In March, Annamalai expressed his objection to the BJP allying with the AIADMK, which left senior leaders furious.
BJP became liability for AIADMK
The BJP so far has failed to make any ground in Tamil Nadu. Now, the AIADMK's separation will hurt the BJP the most as it was trying to make inroads in the state with the former's help. The AIADMK reportedly considers the BJP a liability since it lost the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and 2021 assembly polls where it allied with the lotus party.
