Chennai: BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran stated that former state president K Annamalai's resignation from the BJP and his subsequent new political movement would not harm the saffron party's prospects in Tamil Nadu.
No Impact on BJP
"There will not be any impact on BJP," Nainar told reporters. "BJP is a party rooted in ideology. So the party will not suffer because of the exit of Annamalai." He added, "Everybody has the right to launch a political party."
Annamalai's Charges Unanswered
Nainar chose not to respond to the charges levelled by Annamalai against the BJP. However, he emphasized that the BJP has always fought for the welfare of people across India. "It is wrong to say BJP did not prioritize issues faced by Tamil Nadu," he said. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently spoken about the virtues of the Tamil language wherever he visited.
Reactions from Other Parties
Neither DMK president M K Stalin nor leader of opposition in the assembly Udhayanidhi reacted to the development. However, DMK deputy general secretary A Raja gave a terse reply when reporters sought his reaction: "My wishes to him."
Congress MP Manickam Tagore questioned whether this was a political ploy by RSS-BJP since they failed to gain a foothold in Tamil Nadu. "A new mask, with the blessings of Amit Shah and Modi," he said in a statement on X. "Is this Plan B? RSS is behind it," he added without naming Annamalai.
