(Dr Pentapati Pullarao)
Annamalai is a rising BJP star in Tamil Nadu and is a much talked about personality in 2024 elections. Perhaps, there has been no other charismatic Tamilian BJP leader who has earned such fame and on whom the BJP depends in Tamil Nadu. Similarly, don’t forget there is no such charismatic Annamalai in Andhra or even Telangana BJP. In both Telugu states, there was a deliberate effort to keep the BJP small, so that new leaders don’t dominate. Till 2019, Telangana BJP was happy not to grow, so that a small coterie of leaders enjoyed it all. Once a party grows, then there will be multiple ambitions. Andhra is still practicing the “Small is beautiful “theory. Annamalai is only 39 years old and resigned from the coveted IPS service and joined the BJP. Annamalai has become an All-India figure by his efforts in Tamil Nadu. The Congress party grew all over India as Mahatma Gandhi led the freedom struggle under its banner. But for other parties, they have to grow state-by-state. A personality is needed in a state. The Communists captured power in Kerala due to EMS Namboodripad and Jyoti Basu in Bengal. The BJP grew in Uttar Pradesh due to Kalyan Singh and in Rajasthan due to Bhairon Shekhawat.
BJP efforts in South: There are 130 MPs in the south. The BJP wins MPs only in Karnataka. It has been trying to grow in south India. There has been no charismatic BJP leader in Telangana, Andhra, Kerala or Tamil Nadu, till Annamalai arrived on the scene. A leader is needed in a state.
First shock from Annamalai: Annamalai first shocked the entire political establishment, when he released a secret video of the PTR, Finance Minister, who was the son of a former chief Minister. The video showed PTR abusing chief minister Stalin and his corruption. To avoid a bigger scandal, Stalin did not drop PTR, but only demoted him totally. Such was the Annamalai effect. PTR This incident shook Tamil Nadu, as every politician felt insecure. Annamalai boldly criticized DMK and other leaders if they attacked Narendra Modi or Hinduism. This has made Annamalai an icon in Tamil Nadu. The BJP could grow easily where its main opponent was the Congress. But wherever there are regional parties, it is very difficult for the BJP. Regional parties dominate Tamil Nadu totally. Yet, Annamalai has been making efforts and did a massive well- received Padayatra across Tamil Nadu. Since 1967, there has been either a DMK or ADMK government in Tamil Nadu. Since then, only political dynasties survive in Tamil Nadu, whether it is regional parties or the Congress. The BJP had lot of political space and newcomers started joining BJP, giving it new energy. The children of political dynasts are boring or mediocre or hated by the people Just a couple of days ago, Annamalai said that the results of 2024 parliament elections will be surprising, and BJP and its allies may win 10 MP s out of 39 MPs. Whether Annamalai will achieve this number is un-certain. But Annamalai has energized the BJP astonishingly.
Annamalai’s advantages:
1. Annamalai is young and his background as an IPS officer has given him great experience to tackle politicians. In his service, Annamalai dealt with politicians and is not fazed by any Tamil politician.
2. Annamalai understood that the DMK, ADMK and all other parties are dynasty or one-man parties. There is no space in them for any new person. He therefore invited youth and all others to support BJP and made thousands of new leaders.
3. Annamalai also understood that the Dravidian ideology was over 110 years old. The British supported any anti-Brahmin or anti- Hindu movements, since they were leading the freedom movement. But that sentiment has long expired. How long can you keep beating something that is not there? Incidentally, the DMK came to power in 1967, with an alliance with super-Brahmin Rajagopalachari or Rajaji.
4. Narendra Modi has been actively seeking to expand BJP in Tamil Nadu. Modi is a familiar figure, and this has helped Annamalai. Moreover, the BJP supports Annamalai fully and therefore he has strength and viability.
5. The BJP got only 3% of the vote in 2019 elections. So, it will be easy to improve this figure for the BJP.
Disadvantages:
1. Though Annamalai is a talented leader, it takes time for a party to grow in a state. It took the BJP 44 years before it could form a government in Uttar Pradesh. Annamalai needs time to make the BJP grow in Tamilnadu.
2. It is also important that Narendra Modi becomes PM again, then Annamalai can develop BJP very fast and seek power in 2026 assembly elections. So, June 4 results will determine the roadmap for Annamalai. Tamil Nadu politics has been dominated by great personalities. There was Rajaji, Kamaraj, Annadurai, MGR, Karunanidhi, Jayalalitha and others. Such personalities could get their party’s power. Tamil Nadu is a hero-worshipping state and Annamalai is definitely a hero. Annamalai has surely the charisma, the courage and the intelligence.
But will he have luck? Luck is also the most important ingredient for success. The Great French emperor Napoleon was asked 200 years ago “what kind of Generals he wanted for his ever-fighting”? Napoleon replied “Lucky generals “. Will Annamalai be lucky? But there is another proverb which favors Annamalai. “Fortune favors the brave “. Annamalai is definitely a brave man.
(Author is a Political and Economic Analyst based in New Delhi)
