In a significant political development, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) has declared its intention to lead a separate front in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, breaking away from the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The decision was reached during a party meeting chaired by AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, which included key office-bearers, district secretaries, and MLAs.
The breaking point in the alliance between AIADMK and BJP can be traced back to certain remarks made by K Annamalai, the BJP state chief, about the late Dravidian stalwart CN Annadurai. These remarks ignited a war of words and led senior AIADMK leader Jayakumar to call off the alliance on September 18, firmly stating that he was conveying the party’s position on the matter.
K P Munusamy, AIADMK Deputy Coordinator and former minister, explained the party’s unanimous resolution during the meeting, stating, “AIADMK unanimously passed a resolution in the meeting. AIADMK is breaking all ties with BJP and NDA from today. The state leadership of the BJP has been continuously making unnecessary remarks about our former leaders, our general secretary EPS, and our cadres for the past one year.”
The resolution did not specifically name individuals but criticized the recent actions of the BJP’s state leadership, accusing them of defaming late CN Annadurai and late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, as well as criticizing AIADMK’s policies.
The rift between the two erstwhile allies appeared to center around BJP state president K Annamalai, whose comments about Annadurai had strained their relationship.
AIADMK leaders had flown to the national capital to meet with BJP leaders J P Nadda and Piyush Goyal, seeking an apology from Annamalai for his remarks. They also proposed the appointment of a non-controversial leader to work closely with AIADMK during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections if an apology was not possible.
The central BJP leadership, while not explicitly stating their position, appeared to support Annamalai’s assertive approach for the party’s growth, according to a senior BJP leader.
On September 25, Jayakumar confirmed that there had been no change in their stance since September 18, reiterating that there was no alliance with the BJP. He declined to provide further details, suggesting that the matter might be discussed at a later date.
This decision by the AIADMK marks a significant shift in the political landscape of Tamil Nadu, setting the stage for a new dynamic ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.