In a significant political development, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) party in Tamil Nadu has officially severed its ties with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) just months before the national elections. The rupture comes amidst a heated dispute over comments made by the BJP’s state leader, K Annamalai, which the AIADMK accused of deliberately defaming its current and former leaders.
The decision to break away from the alliance was announced by AIADMK Deputy General Secretary KP Munusamy after a unanimous resolution was passed during a meeting attended by MPs, MLAs, and district heads in Chennai. Munusamy stated, “AIADMK is breaking all ties with BJP and NDA from today. State leadership of BJP has been making unnecessary remarks about our former leaders for the past year.”
This abrupt break in the alliance comes with just months to go before the crucial national elections in 2024. Munusamy also confirmed that the AIADMK intends to contest the upcoming elections with its own set of allies, marking a significant shift in the state’s political landscape.
AIADMK spokesperson Sasirekha expressed the party’s sentiment, saying, “Based on members’ opinions, we are taking this resolution. This is the happiest moment for us. We are very happy to face the upcoming elections on our own, whether they are Parliamentary or Assembly elections.”
Party supporters celebrated the decision by bursting firecrackers and distributing sweets. Many believe that the separation from the BJP will help the AIADMK gain more support, especially from minority voters who were dissuaded by the previous alliance.
In response to the AIADMK’s decision, K Annamalai, who is currently on a padyatra (foot march) in Coimbatore, stated, “Our national leadership will respond.” Annamalai had previously refused to back down from his controversial comments, arguing that they were rooted in historical context, particularly in light of a dispute involving Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s remarks about Sanatan Dharm.
Efforts were made to salvage the strained ties between the two parties during a meeting in Delhi, where the AIADMK demanded that Annamalai either apologize for his remarks about the late former Chief Minister CN Annadurai or be replaced with a “non-controversial leader.” However, discussions were reportedly cordial, but the parties failed to reach a resolution.
The deteriorating relationship between AIADMK and BJP had been escalating, with the AIADMK accusing Annamalai of disrespecting not only its current leaders but also iconic figures like Jayalalithaa and CN Annadurai. These disputes ultimately led to the AIADMK’s decision to exit the alliance.
This break with the BJP marks a significant shift in Tamil Nadu politics, as AIADMK seeks to chart its own course in the upcoming elections, while the BJP faces the challenge of making electoral headway in a state that has traditionally been dominated by Dravidian ideologies. The AIADMK has faced electoral setbacks in previous elections when allied with the BJP and is now seeking a fresh start.
