Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai has once again drawn attention with his protest against an alleged sexual assault at Anna University. Annamalai flogged himself six times as a symbolic act of penance and vowed to remain barefoot until the DMK government is ousted from power.
Annamalai’s protest highlights the DMK government’s handling of the case while showcasing his characteristic brashness, which has given the BJP visibility in a state where it has limited presence. His self-lashing and barefoot resolve drew parallels with powerful cinematic acts of penance, reinforcing his dramatic style of politics.
This protest comes as Annamalai eases his earlier aggression toward the AIADMK, following the fallout between the two parties over strained alliances. Meanwhile, actor-turned-politician Vijay and his party’s rise as a new force in Tamil Nadu politics could further complicate the BJP’s prospects, as Vijay targets both BJP and DMK, sparing the AIADMK.Annamalai’s actions underline his strategy to keep BJP relevant in Tamil Nadu politics while exposing gaps in the ruling government’s response to sensitive issues.
