Only opportunists are joining Annamalai, says senior BJP leader Tamilisai

CHENNAI: Senior BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan on Sunday asserted that the BJP remained strong and united in the State despite the exit of former state president K Annamalai, and said those who had shed blood and sweat to build the party continued to stand firmly with it.

Speaking to reporters after offering prayers at the Meenakshi Amman temple in Madurai, Tamilisai dismissed suggestions that Annamalai's exit had weakened the party.

"Only the self-serving have left. Those committed to public service remain in the BJP. Not even a single petal of the lotus can be shaken," she said.

Meanwhile, she accused the ruling dispensation of repeatedly hurting Hindu sentiments and warned against what she described as attempts to portray religious issues as communal tensions.

"BJP workers in Tamil Nadu have faced several challenges and continued to strengthen the party. The DMK lost power because it failed to respect the faith and emotions of Hindus," she said.

Referring to the Tirupparankundram controversy, she said devotees only wanted to light a deepam at the Deepathoon with humility and devotion and criticised State Minister R Nirmalkumar for opposing it despite the court permitting the practice.

"The voices of devotees are stronger than whistling and political noise," she remarked, while accusing the government of disregarding public sentiment in the name of maintaining law and order.

Tamilisai also targeted the State government over law and order issues, alleging a rise in narcotics circulation and crimes against women. She claimed seven sexual assault incidents had surfaced in a single day and demanded stern action against offenders.

She further claimed that the TVK government had completed its first month in office, was struggling for stability, and was surviving on support from Left parties and the VCK.