Chennai
Normally, people defect from opposition to ruling parties. But you have quit the party in power at the Centre and joined a principal opposition party in Tamil Nadu. Was there more to it than self-respect?
g No other reason. In Tamil Nadu, no matter how much ever I work, I will not get the acknowledgement in BJP. It is like cultivating in dry land. I remained in BJP with some grouses for some time. People who work hard are not acknowledged there (in TN BJP). They only expect functionaries to obey the diktats of a few seniors in the state. There is no freedom of expression in BJP. Tamil Nadu unit of BJP does not have able leaders to lead the party.
What about immediate past president Tamilisai Soundararajan? Does the inability include her?
g She was accommodative and acted independently. So, there were not many squabbles in the party. There is no respect for people who work hard. The BJP national leadership is not honestly apprised by the Tamil Nadu unit. Some leaders like Vaanathi Srinivasan, Karuppu Muruganandam consider the party as their personal property.
Are you prevented by them from working in BJP?
g I was in charge when PM Narendra Modi had visited Madurai and Amit Shah visited Ramnad and Tiruchy. I had led the prohibition meeting a day after my daughter’s wedding. I worked hard. I am not ready to blame the national leadership. At least, half a dozen leaders should be sent out for the party to grow in Tamil Nadu. They will not vacate.
From state vice president you have reduced to just another leader in the DMK...
g BJP high command gave me due respect. I had the post, but I was not recognised. I did not come to DMK expecting some post. Stalin is a leader who respects people and cadre. I had good rapport with DMK leadership even during my stint in BJP.
BJP leaders have raised doubts about your rapport with DMK during your stint as VP.
g I had exchanged pleasantries with DMK president MK Stalin and Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami publicly. I do not meet other party leaders secretly after dusk or before dawn like a few others in the BJP do. I had good relationship with all leaders and members of all communities.
How did you adopt to the shift between two parties which have completely different ideologies?
g I was raised in Dravidian ideology. Who in DMK does not pray? After joining the party, DMK ideology is my ideology.
Will you stick to your stand of not criticising BJP national leaders?
g I will not change my stand. I will not engage in personal attacks. I don’t believe in it. However, I will criticise the BJP tooth and nail, constructively.
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