PM MODI JOINS TAMIL NADU BJP CHIEF K. ANNAMALAI'S PADAYATRA FINALE
WHO IS TAMIL NADU BJP PRESIDENT K. ANNAMALAI?
K Annamalai, at 39, has emerged as the rising star political figure in Tamil Nadu, known for his dynamic leadership and fiery rhetoric. His year-long padayatra, “En Mann, En Makkal,” covering all 234 constituencies, commenced from Rameswaram on July 28, 2023, and has consistently grabbed headlines since. With a focus on countering the core ideologies of Dravidian parties, Annamalai has gained attention for his straightforward messaging and astute criticism. The yatra was flagged off on the 28th July by BJP leader Amit Shah. He was the youngest BJP state president when he was appointed in 2021. He has a BTech degree and management degree from IIM, Lucknow. After nine years of successful service in various positions in the state, IPS officer K. Annamalai tendered his resignation in 2009 to enter politics.
On his padayatra, Annamalai has kept his messaging simple like his website says – “I will not let my Tamil people fall prey to the nefarious politics that has plagued this state for long. ” His focus on issues emphasizes on infrastructure development, job creation, and education, resonating with the aspirations of the youth. His padayatra has not only elevated his political stature but has also provided visibility to the BJP even in remote areas of Tamil Nadu.
27 February 2024 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a massive public gathering in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, praising State BJP President K Annamalai for his ‘En Mann En Makkal Yatra’ and commending his efforts in spreading the mantra of “Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas” (I am one, I am the people) across the state. PM Modi outlined a bold vision for Tamil Nadu’s development in 2024, declaring it as the new center of politics for progress in the country. PM Modi launched four road projects in Tamil Nadu costing ₹4,586 crore, including NH- 844’s Jittandahalli-Dharmapuri section fourlaning, NH-81’s Meensurutti-Chidambaram section two-laning with paved shoulders, NH-83’s Oddanchatram-Madathukulam section four-laning, and NH-83’s Nagapattinam-Thanjavur section two-laning with paved shoulders.
These projects, alongside developments in the maritime sector and rail electrification and doubling, enhance connectivity and boost tourism and industry. Reflecting on his interactions with Tamil Nadu’s rich culture, PM Modi reiterated the BJP government’s commitment to the state’s welfare, contrasting it with the neglect of previous administrations. He highlighted significant allocations of funds for developmental projects and accused past governments of looting Tamil Nadu. PM Modi also addressed the opposition’s attempts to undermine the BJP’s growing strength, expressing confidence in the people of Tamil Nadu to see through such tactics and continue trusting the BJP.
BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit president, K Annamalai hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this popularity in the state. He said, “I am amazed at the kind of support our Prime Minister enjoys in the nook and cranny of our state. A phenomenal mandate is coming PM Modi’s way in the 2024 election and that can be seen in this yatra. PM Modi’s alliance has been with 140 crore people continuously for the last 10 years. It’s a heart-to-heart alliance, do you think any alliance can beat Modi’s alliance?”