Udupi: “Tamil Nadu is a Long-term Game, I’ll Work as a Party worker” – K Annamalai

UDUPI:
“I am a party worker first, whatever responsibility the party gives me, I will deliver it,” said K Annamalai, Tamil Nadu BJP president, during his visit to Udupi.

Speaking with the media in Udupi, Annamalai clarified his position within the party, stating, “We are all members of a national party. I am a party worker first. Whatever responsibility the party gives me, I will carry it out with full dedication. Work is my duty, and I will perform any role assigned to me.”

With the Tamil Nadu elections approaching, he mentioned, “Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently met opposition leader Edappadi Palaniswami. He has clearly spoken about the alliance. Everyone knows my stance on AIADMK. The common goal is to dethrone the DMK. That’s our party’s number one mission.”

He added, “AIADMK is a major Dravidian party. The meeting with home minister sends a clear message that AIADMK is open to an alliance with the BJP. The party will decide where I should be and in what position. Whatever the decision, I will accept it as a party worker. Change is coming to Tamil Nadu, and the BJP may get another opportunity.”

Reflecting on the long-term strategy, he said, “Tamil Nadu politics is a long game. We have waited patiently for years and will continue to do so, even if it takes 20 or 30 more years. We will come to power. Patience is more important than power in politics.”

He also made it clear that he would not contest in the upcoming Tamil Nadu BJP State president elections, stating, “There is no question of resigning from the party. I will not be in the race when the state president elections are held, whenever that may be.”

Speaking about the controversial Waqf Act, Annamalai highlighted, “The Waqf Act has seen multiple amendments, the biggest being in 1995 and later in 2013 under the Congress government. Now in 2025, a major change has been introduced. People must understand that amendments are part of democracy.”

He added that Waqf owns around 39 lac acres of land in India, compared to 52 lac acres under the Railways. “In the last ten years, 21 lac acres have been added. Until 2013, it was 18 lakh acres. No one can randomly claim ownership of this land. The role of district collectors is crucial in this matter,” he said.

Annamalai praised the amendments as progressive, stating they would benefit Muslim women, especially from economically weaker sections. He pointed out that “Earlier, only Shia and Sunni Muslims were considered. Now even Aga Khan and Bohra communities have been included. This is not unconstitutional.”

He further stated that the DMK has challenged these amendments in court, but he is confident all cases will be dismissed.

Addressing the recent hike in gas prices, Annamalai responded, “Let the Congress economic experts explain the situation. But they never speak the truth. Gas prices have increased globally, and it’s tough for oil marketing companies to bear the losses. At a certain point, price hikes become unavoidable.”

He defended the central government’s position, stating, “Despite pressure, the government has intervened to control petrol and diesel prices. We import gas and do not produce it in significant quantities. Usage has increased substantially in recent years.”

Citing statistics, he said, “In 2014, only 64% of the Indian population used gas. Today, it’s 100%. This is a sign of progress. Union Minister Hardeep Puri is working to secure global gas availability. I believe this price situation is temporary.”

Commenting on the political situation in Karnataka, Annamalai said, “I am observing the Karnataka government from the outside. A prominent and powerful person in the government is involved in a CD honeytrap scandal. The people of Karnataka have a rich culture, but this government is anti-people.”

He accused the government of doing everything to retain power, adding, “The entire nation is watching. The Congress government has lost public trust. People must support the BJP’s Janakrosha Yatra. Though there are no elections in the state currently, we must make sincere efforts to remove Congress from power.”