Lagatar24 Desk
Chennai, Sept 18: Tensions between the AIADMK and BJP appeared to escalate significantly on Monday, as a senior leader from the Dravidian party clarified that there was currently no formal alliance with BJP and any determination regarding an electoral alliance will be made solely closer to the actual election.
Senior AIADMK figure D Jayakumar strongly criticized BJP state chief K Annamalai for his remarks about Dravidian icon C N Annadurai, asserting that members of his party will not accept any disrespect towards the late chief minister.
He noted that despite Annamalai’s critical comments about AIADMK leaders, including the late J Jayalalithaa, the party had appealed for the BJP leader to be restrained.
“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,” the former minister stated during his criticism of the BJP and its state unit president while speaking to reporters.
“We can’t tolerate anymore (the criticism of leaders). As far as alliance is concerned, it is not there. BJP is not with AIADMK. (the matter) can be decided only during election. This is our stand,” he said.
When questioned about whether this was his individual viewpoint, Jayakumar replied, “Have I ever spoken to you in that capacity? I only talk what the party decides.”
