AIADMK Says 'Not In Alliance With' BJP After Annamalai 'Criticises' Annadurai, Jayalalithaa, Periyar

AIADMK leader D Jayakumar while talking to the media declared that there is no alliance between BJP and his party as he slammed Annamalai for "criticising" Annadurai, Jayalalithaa, and Periyar.

The divide between AIADMK and BJP appears to be as clear as crystal after a senior leader of the Dravidian party on Monday said that there was no alliance between both outfits and that any decision on a pre-poll pact will only be decided during the elections. Senior AIADMK leader D Jayakumar lashed out at Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai for his criticism of the Dravidian stalwart CN Annadurai. He said that his party workers will not tolerate any affront to the late Chief Minister, reported news agency PTI.

Tamil Nadu BJP Vice President, Narayanan Thirupathy, responded by saying that there is no alliance right now. He added that alliance is always a two-way lane and the discussion will be revisited during elections only.

While talking to the media, Jayakumar said, "BJP is not in alliance with AIADMK. We will decide about the alliance during the elections only. This is not my personal view. This is our party's stand. BJP cadres want an alliance with the AIADMK but Annamalai (TN BJP President K Annamalai) doesn't want an alliance. He always criticises our leaders. He is unfit to be BJP state president."

He continued, saying, "We can't accept continuous criticism of our leaders. Annamalai already criticised our leader Jayalalithaa. At that time, we passed a resolution against Annamalai. He should have stopped this. He is criticising Anna, Periyar and the General Secretary. No cadre would accept this. Tomorrow we have to work on the field. So without any option, we announced this. There won't be any impact on us with this decision. We are confident of our victory."

The former minister also said, "Annamalai doesn't desire alliance with AIADMK although BJP workers want it. Should we tolerate all this criticism of our leaders? Why should we carry you? BJP can't set foot here. Your vote bank is known. You are known because of us."

Jayakumar was asked if this was his personal opinion to which he replied by saying, "Have I ever spoken to you in that capacity? I only talk what the party decides," reported PTI.

TN BJP Vice President replied by saying, "He (AIADMK leader D Jayakumar) is right, there is no alliance right now. Alliance is always a two-way lane.

While talking to PTI, he said, "Alliances are decided only during elections. The elections are not announced and they are perhaps eight months away. So, we will see what happens after eight months, why should we bother about that now?"