The AIADMK, in a decisive move, severed its ties with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Monday following a meeting held at the party's headquarters in Tamil Nadu. This significant decision was prompted by the AIADMK's assertion that the BJP had engaged in "inappropriate commentary regarding AIADMK's former leaders."
This development comes in the wake of recent discussions between senior AIADMK leaders and BJP chief JP Nadda in Delhi, where the AIADMK leaders apprised him of the prevailing circumstances in the state, notably arising from the "aggressive style of politics" exhibited by Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai. During these discussions, they sought an apology from Annamalai for a remark he made about Dravidian icon CN Annadurai and called for his replacement if he did not apologize.
In response to inquiries about this development, Annamalai indicated that the BJP's national leadership would issue a statement in due course. He stated, "Our national leadership is aware of the situation. They will respond to this. We will have further discussions soon."
Under the leadership of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, the AIADMK announced its intention to lead a separate front in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
The decision to dissolve the alliance was formally ratified through a unanimous resolution passed during the meeting. The resolution clarified that the AIADMK was severing all its ties with the BJP and the NDA alliance, effective immediately. AIADMK's K P Munusamy, as quoted by ANI, attributed this decision to the continuous "inappropriate commentary" made by the BJP's state leadership regarding the party's former leaders, including the late CN Annadurai and late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, along with criticisms of their policies.
In a celebratory tone, AIADMK supporters marked the conclusion of the alliance by setting off fireworks outside the party's office. Notably, BJP workers also joined in the celebrations by igniting firecrackers in Madurai.
The rift between the two parties was exacerbated by BJP leader Annamalai's comments, which stirred controversy. Annamalai had alleged that Annadurai had insulted Hinduism during an event in Madurai in 1956, asserting that Annadurai had to seek refuge in Madurai and could only resume his travels after issuing an apology.
However, Annamalai declined to issue an apology for his contentious remarks about the former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, insisting that there were no issues between his party and the AIADMK. He contended that his comments merely recounted an incident from 1956.
According to BJP insiders, the party does not intend to request the AIADMK to reconsider its decision to break away from the NDA. The BJP is firmly standing behind its Tamil Nadu state chief, Annamalai, as per sources.
It's noteworthy that the AIADMK and BJP had joined forces as allies in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and the 2021 Assembly elections.
