The Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu may have concluded, but the political tension still lingers. Prior to the vote count, a dispute arose in the state regarding beef. The Tamil Nadu Congress recently declared a protest in front of the BJP headquarters to denounce Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks about Tamil Nadu and the keys to the temple in Odisha. In reaction to this, the Tamil Nadu BJP President, K. Annamalai, stated that his party would provide food to the protesters and also gift them a book highlighting the alleged ‘betrayal’ of Tamils by the DMK and Congress. In response, senior Congress leader Alangowan urged Annamalai to prepare beef and other non-vegetarian dishes, further fueling the controversy.
Amidst the ongoing elections, a controversy has arisen between Congress and BJP regarding the issue of beef. Annamalai stated that coercion is not the solution.
The Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu have concluded, yet the political tension persists. Prior to the counting, a dispute arose in the state concerning beef. The Tamil Nadu Congress recently declared a demonstration outside the BJP headquarters to oppose Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks about Tamil Nadu and the keys of the temple in Odisha. Subsequently, the Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai stated that his party would provide meals to the demonstrators, along with presenting them a book on the ‘betrayal’ of Tamils by DMK and Congress. In reaction to this, senior Congress leader Alangowan urged Annamalai to prepare beef and other non-vegetarian dishes, further fueling the controversy.
How did the matter reach Tamil Nadu from Odisha?
A few days ago, PM Modi stated in Odisha that the Jagannath temple is not safe under the BJD government. The whereabouts of the keys to the Shriratna Bhandar have been unknown for the past six years… During this period, the PM mentioned that the keys have been taken to Tamil Nadu. He was referring to former IAS VK Pandian, a close aide of Naveen Patnaik.
Annamalai’s reply
Annamalai mentioned that providing lunch to the protesters was a kind gesture. He emphasized that while individuals have the freedom to choose their meals, they should not impose their preferences on others. Annamalai also highlighted the importance of respecting differing viewpoints, referencing Mahatma Gandhi’s stance on dietary choices.
Annamalai emphasized that the concept of Hindutva has been misrepresented in the state. He highlighted the late AIADMK supremo J. Jayalalithaa as a Hindutva advocate, noting her stance on the Ram temple, Uniform Civil Code, and Article 370. Asserting that the AIADMK was open to discussing the matter, Annamalai stated, “Jayalalithaa was a staunch supporter of Hindutva.”
Addressing the media, he mentioned that any AIADMK member uncertain about Hindutva could refer to the 1995 Supreme Court ruling. According to Justice J.S. Verma’s verdict, Hindutva is a way of life. He clarified, “Incorporating everyone is Hindutva… solely relying on Hinduism is not Hindutva.” His interpretation of Hindutva is based on the Supreme Court’s decision.
He remarked, “In Tamil Nadu, Hindutva (the term) is misinterpreted… I am quoting the Supreme Court’s ruling… Our stance is that we harbor no ill will towards anyone.” Expanding on his recent statement regarding Jayalalithaa’s Hindutva leadership, he recalled her call for the revocation of Article 370 in the Rajya Sabha on July 26, 1984.