Annamalai Interview: In the run-up to Lok Sabha Elections 2024, Tamil Nadu BJP chief Annamalai opened up about his journey from engineering to policing to politics, shedding light on his diverse career trajectory, and his vision for Tamil Nadu's political landscape. In an interview to journalist Megha Prasad's YouTube channel InsideOut, Annamalai emphasised the importance of spirituality in politics as he criticised the Dravidian model for its atheistic stance and the "marginalisation" of faith. He also took a swipe at Rahul Gandhi's political manoeuvres. 


'Singham' Annamalai On The Many Career Choices He Made


Annamalai, often referred to as "Singham" (Lion), shrugged off the significance of such monikers, emphasising his focus on serving the people amidst the daily barrage of criticism and abuse. Annamalai said such a name was the love of the people but he was not bothered about the names since he also comes under criticism and abuse of several hundreds of people every day.


On comparisons with Prime Minister Modi, dubbed the "Sher" (Lion) of Gujarat, Annamalai said he was a small man doing important work in Tamil Nadu for BJP. 


Annamalai said his journey from engineering to politics was a reflection of a series of thoughtful decisions driven by "a desire to serve the people". Raised in a village environment with "modest ambitions", Annamalai said he initially chose engineering as a practical option over medicine. However, after a period of reflection, he said realised that a long-term commitment to engineering wasn't aligned with his goals, prompting him to explore other paths.


Following this, he decided to venture into business administration after a year's break. He said he decided to go out of his comfort zone to pursue his MBA at IIM Lucknow where he witnessed first hand the stark realities of poverty. This exposure, he asserted, deepened his "sense of empathy and service orientation", ultimately influencing his decision to pursue a career in the Indian Police Service (IPS).


However, despite dedicating around a decade to civil service and even establishing an NGO, Annamalai said, he found himself drawn towards a more direct form of community service through politics. 


On his political beginnings, Annamalai said: "PM Modi gave courage to a common man like me that it is possible. Maybe politics is not taboo for people like me and politics is not meant only for dynasts, and politics is not meant only for the money-minded people. So that gave me courage."














Asked why he chose Tamil Nadu, Annamalai said he returned to his home state due to the significant "course corrections" it has experienced over the past 70 years. 















Spiritual Politics In Tamil Nadu


Annamalai stressed on bringing back spiritual politics to Tamil Nadu. He argued that the Dravidian ideology, which traditionally advocated for atheism, has led to the "marginalisation of religious beliefs" in political discourse. "The whole life is spiritual, you cannot suck it out and say that no my politics is 'aspiritual'. So we want to bring spirituality back, and second we want to bring common man to the centre of politics (sic)."


On reorienting Tamil Nadu's political landscape, Annamalai asserted that politicians should not be idolised or elevated to the status of demigods. He warned against the dangers of creating a hierarchy where political leaders are revered at the expense of the common man's dignity and agency.


Annamalai's Contest from Coimbatore 


Annamalai exuded confidence in his victory from the Coimbatore Lok Sabha constituency, asserting that success was not a matter of mere expectation or hope but a result of the hard work and dedication put in by his team. "June 4th is going to be a very important day in Tamil politics because Tamil Nadu is going to move away from the Dravidian politics. It is going to enter into post-Dravidian politics so for the first time a third party like BJP in Tamil Nadu is going to prove its arrival after 70 years."


Asserting that the BJP's strategies are grounded in realism and practicality, he portrayed politics as science and emphasised the importance of strategic planning and execution in achieving desired outcomes.


ALSO READ: Coimbatore Lok Sabha Election 2024: ‘Singham’ Annamalai Up Against Fellow IIM Alum & Ex-Mayor


Annamalai Criticises Rahul Gandhi Over Dual Contest 


Annamalai came down heavily on Rahul Gandhi for his decision to contest from two constituencies — Rae Bareli and Wayanad — as he questioned his ability to handle the responsibilities of the Prime Minister's chair if he 'struggles' with winning an election. He criticised the last-minute decision and called it a demonstration of the moral bankruptcy within the Congress party.


"You say Kerala is my state, just don't commit till the last day, you keep waiting until the last day of nomination. This shows the moral bankruptcy of Congress," he said.


Challenging Rahul Gandhi to display transparency and accountability, Annamalai demanded clarity on which seat he would resign if victorious in both. He said, "This is the confusion a party operates with. Can we give 142 crore people's life to Congress party after they come to power... People want consistency, people want straightforward talk." 


Prajwal Revanna Sex Video Scandal


Annamalai responded to criticisms levelled against the BJP regarding the sex tape controversy in Karnataka. He asserted that the double standards of the Congress party were evident as they were in alliance with the JD(S) in the past. However, Annamalai emphasised the need to treat the case impartially, focusing on justice rather than political point-scoring.


"Let's set aside political agendas and focus on treating this case purely as a matter of law and order. Anyone who has committed such a serious offence must face the full consequences of the law, without exceptions. My concern lies with the politicisation of this issue by the Congress party," he said.


"They claim the individual in question fled to Germany because our government permitted him to board a flight. However, it's essential to note that he travelled from Hassan to Bangalore via Karnataka roads. Why didn't the Karnataka State Police checkposts take action when they were aware of this situation?"  


He also asked why the Congress government failed to register a case on the day of the polls.