NEW DELHI: Amidst fervent calls for the “annihilation of Sanatana,” a core element of the BJP’s identity, the saffron party has made huge strides in Tamil Nadu under the leadership of K Annamalai, former IPS officer and BJP’s state president, as per a party leader.
Speaking to The New Indian, BJP’s state co-incharge P Sudhakar Reddy said that the DMK has attacked Sanatan Dharma because it fears the rise of the BJP in Tamil Nadu due to Annamalai’s charismatic leadership.
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“DMK is critical of the country because they are concerned about Annamalai’s padyatra campaign, ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh.’ He is driving change in Tamil Nadu and is perceived as a hero and savior who will transform the state’s political landscape. People are yearning for change,” the BJP leader said.
Annamalai’s padyatra is a strategic move to bolster the BJP’s presence in Tamil Nadu, where the party currently has no Lok Sabha seats.
The former police officer has often been hailed for taking a clear and firm stance over a range of controversial issues. On the issue of DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin’s calls for eradicating Sanatan Dharma, Annamalai said: “For 70 years, the Dravidian model has failed to address issues like the two-tumbler system and caste discrimination.”
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“Why are they blaming Sanatana Dharma for it?” he questioned during a media interaction following a party protest near Valluvar Kottam in Chennai recently.
On Wednesday, Reddy along with state BJP vice president Narayana Tirupathi launched an attack on chief minister MK Stalin’s government over alleged rampant corruption and efforts of minority appeasement.
“INDIA is experiencing internal division. These comments stem from a disturbed mindset, frustration, and jealousy due to the growing popularity of PM Modi,” Reddy stated in an interview with The New Indian.
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Tirupathy accused CM Stalin and his son Udhayanidhi, of stoking anti-Hindu sentiments to garner minority votes. He emphasized, “They are attempting to attract minorities by disparaging Sanatana and Hindus. We are not communal; we represent all religions.”
“The DMK is synonymous with corruption. Unlike the DMK and Congress, none of our party members are on bail or in jail,” Reddy charged.