AIADMK's general secretary, Palaniswamy, made a nuanced observation suggesting that merely constructing temples does not guarantee electoral success, subtly alluding to the BJP's strategies. He emphasized this during a press briefing in Salem, highlighting that the act of building temples alone doesn't automatically translate into electoral support from the populace.
In his statement, Palaniswamy underscored the diverse religious activities across communities, noting that while Hindus erect temples, Muslims and Christians similarly build mosques and churches, respectively. He cautioned against presuming electoral favor solely based on temple construction, citing the example of Edappadi, where AIADMK has constructed numerous temples, implying that such endeavors don't guarantee consistent electoral victories.
These remarks by Palaniswamy come in the aftermath of the recent inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and the ceremonial installation of the Ram Lalla idol, events attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries.
Palaniswamy further elucidated that if temple construction were indeed a decisive factor in garnering votes, then all political parties would engage in such endeavors. He questioned the exclusive reliance on temple construction as a means of securing electoral support, underscoring the broader socio-political dynamics at play.
Highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to governance beyond religious symbolism, Palaniswamy emphasized the importance of addressing multifaceted issues affecting communities. He pointed out the necessity for holistic development initiatives beyond temple construction, citing the scarcity of similar efforts in Salem and his own constituency.
The rift between AIADMK and the BJP, culminating in their severed ties in September last year, stemmed from disagreements over the BJP's political strategies in Tamil Nadu. AIADMK accused the BJP's Tamil Nadu chief, K Annamalai, of pursuing an overly aggressive political approach.
The decision to terminate the alliance with the BJP was not unilateral but was made collectively by the AIADMK's party unit during a convened meeting, indicating a consensus within the party leadership.
Previously, AIADMK had collaborated with the BJP as allies during both the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and the 2021 Assembly elections, but the partnership dissolved due to irreconcilable differences.
