DMK arrested Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai and several other leaders. The detainment occurred due to a Black Day rally in Coimbatore by the BJP to protest against the funeral procession of criminal SA Basha. The DMK police did not grant permission for the protest.
Thus, the arrests have reignited the debate over the DMK government’s alleged appeasement of extremist elements.
அண்ணாமலை கைது!
உடல்நலக் குறைவால் உயிரிழந்த கோவை குண்டு வெடிப்பு வழக்கின் முக்கிய குற்றவாளியான பாஷாவின் இறுதி ஊர்வலத்திற்கு தமிழக அரசு அனுமதி கொடுத்ததை கண்டித்து பேரணி நடத்திய அண்ணாமலை மற்றும் பாஜகவினர் கைது#Coimbatore #Annamalai #Arrest #BJP pic.twitter.com/cOIJYfjryj
— M.M.NEWS உடனடி செய்திகள் (@rajtweets10) December 20, 2024
As BJP leaders were detained, questions arose: Is the DMK government suppressing dissent against its controversial decisions? Or is this a calculated move to curb Annamalai’s rising popularity as the voice of opposition in Tamil Nadu?
Black Day Rally: Annamalia Stands Against Terror Glorification
Terrorist SA Basha responsible for kill*ng 58 innocents in Coimbatore blast (1998) died
-IsIamists & "secular" leaders glorified him, mourned for him: No action against them
-Tamilnadu BJP protested against the glorification of that terrorist : Arrested
Secularism!! pic.twitter.com/XwHH8BD0rN
— Hindu Voices (@Hindu__Voices) December 21, 2024
The BJP’s Black Day rally was a direct response to the DMK government allowing a public funeral procession for SA Basha. This man was the founder of the extremist group Al-Ummah and the architect of the Coimbatore bombings. This convicted terrorist was the mastermind of the 1998 Coimbatore bomb blasts that claimed 58 innocent lives and injured 231 others.
Despite his conviction for orchestrating one of India’s deadliest terror attacks, DMK approved SA Basha’s funeral procession on 17th December 2024.
Strongly condemn the arrest of Annan @annamalai_k other bjp and hindu munnani leaders.
It's unfortunate that a martyr death ceremony was accorded to a bomb blast accused. https://t.co/fgT1PpxFG3
— Siddharth Mani BJP (Say no to drugs) (@sidhmallinathan) December 20, 2024
The funeral procession drew thousands of Ismalist mourners and was conducted with police security. TVK leaders called this criminal “father” and VCK leaders called him a “martyr,” just to gain Muslim votes! They created a public spectacle of the mourning procession held for a convicted terrorist. This infuriated BJP leaders who accused the DMK government of indulging in minority appeasement. Moreover, they state allowing such celebration of terrorists emboldens extremist elements in the nation. BJP Mahila Morcha president Vanathi Srinivasan criticized the government for “glorifying a terrorist who shattered the peace of Coimbatore.”
We condemn the cowardly act of the DMK Government for arresting the leaders & cadres of @BJP4TamilNadu for carrying out a rally condemning the glorification of a terrorist who was the reason for the loss of 58 lives in the peace-loving city of Coimbatore in 1998.
The DMK Govt… pic.twitter.com/Jil34mW44e
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) December 20, 2024
Many wonder if Basha’s violent history was ignored because he bombed the Chennai RSS office in 1993. Or did DMK allow his funeral procession just because Basha issued threats against PM Modi? By permitting such a public display of a terrorist, the DMK is sensing troubling signals about its priorities, BJP leaders argued.
The Arrests of Annamalai and Cadre: Silencing Dissent?
DMK Government has arrested K. Annamalai for condemning the glorification of a teπποrist who was the mastermind behind Coimbatore serial bοmb Βlαsts.
No Congress, No SP and No AAP will condemn it or raise a voice against it. pic.twitter.com/LIBjMM6suy
— Sunanda Roy 👑 (@SaffronSunanda) December 20, 2024
The arrest of Annamalai and other BJP leaders during their peaceful protest draws widespread condemnation. He is known as a fierce orator who is rising in popularity in Tamil Nadu. Hence, he has become a thorn in the DMK’s side. Under his leadership, BJP Tamil Nadu has gained traction among voters disillusioned with DMK’s policies.
By detaining Annamalai, the DMK and INDI Alliance have shown their true face, which hates freedom of speech and any criticism of their policies.
However, it showcases DMK’s lack of conscience in suppressing democratic dissent.
Analysts state that Annamalai’s growing stature as a leader unafraid to challenge DMK’s appeasement politics has made him a significant threat to the ruling party. Observers argue that this arrest is part of a larger strategy to stifle a rising opposition voice. Tamil Nadu BJP’s official X handle declared war on DMK’s tyranny. Moreover, Annamalai echoed this sentiment, by accusing the DMK of cowardice and declaring that he shall stand against glorification of terrorism by CM Stalin and cadre.
DMK’s Minority Appeasement or Calculated Politics?
Opposing grand funeral of terrorist has become a crime in Tamil Nadu..
We stand with Annamalai ji @annamalai_k
Whole nation must condemn his illegal arrest.
@mkstalin @AmitShah @Udhaystalin— Akshay Yadav (@Akshay_Yadav___) December 21, 2024
The DMK government’s decision to allow SA Basha’s funeral procession raises serious questions. Was it a lapse in judgment? Or was it a deliberate act of appeasement aimed at consolidating minority votes?
Critics argue that DMK’s actions embolden extremist elements, eroding the state’s secular fabric.
Annamalai’s criticism of the DMK aligns with the BJP’s larger narrative against soft-pedaling on terrorism. He stated that the DMK government is promoting terrorism by allowing the celebration of Coimbatore’s terrorists! He marks this decision as another example of DMK’s failure to curb Islamic extremism in Tamil Nadu.
இது மக்களுக்கான ஆட்சியா?
தீவிரவாதிகளுக்கான ஆட்சியா?#BlackDayKovai pic.twitter.com/qcji5FV2FB— BJP Tamilnadu (@BJP4TamilNadu) December 20, 2024
The BJP has positioned itself as a party that prioritizes national security and accountability. Annamalai, a former IPS, was arrested for protesting against the radical celebration of a terrorist! This move could further galvanize the BJP’s voter base in Tamil Nadu, where the party is attempting to expand its influence. Hence, the arrest was good optics for the BJP and bad decision-making on DMK’s part!
Annamalai Battles for Tamil Nadu’s Soul
Annamalai🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/r9mFlfFJDP
— The Jaipur Dialogues (@JaipurDialogues) March 5, 2024
The arrest of K. Annamalai may have unintended consequences for the DMK. By targeting him, the ruling party has elevated his status as a fearless leader willing to take on the establishment. Annamalai is known for his grassroots approach and unrelenting criticism of corruption and appeasement politics. Thus, he is fast becoming a beacon of hope for voters seeking an alternative to the DMK and AIADMK.
Under his leadership, the BJP has taken bold stands on contentious issues, from minority appeasement to corruption in governance.
The Coimbatore Black Rally and subsequent arrests highlight his commitment to holding the government accountable, even at personal risk. The controversy surrounding SA Basha’s funeral procession and the arrests of BJP leaders has exposed fault lines in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape. The DMK is doubling down on its minority outreach in the name of law and order.
However, the BJP under Annamalai is positioning itself as the voice of the common man, demanding justice and accountability.
This confrontation between DMK and Annamalai is more than a political clash! It is a battle for Tamil Nadu’s soul. Will CM Stalin prioritize justice? Or will appeasement politics take precedence? Who knows! One thing is certain: Annamalai’s arrest has only amplified his voice, making him a formidable adversary for the DMK in the years to come.