AIADMK's Gayathri Trolls Annamalai: If He Is So Famous, Let Him Contest

In a fresh bout of political sparring, actress-turned-politician Gayathri Raguramm has mocked former Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai, following reports that he may sit out the upcoming Assembly elections. A former BJP functionary herself, Gayathri currently serves as the Deputy Secretary of the AIADMK's State Women's Wing.

Taking to social media, she reposted a news report about Annamalai's reluctance to contest and delivered a sharp retort. "Avalo scene lam illa... poittu va (It's not that big a deal... go ahead)," she wrote. Questioning his political clout, she added, "If he is truly so famous, powerful, and charismatic, he should contest from any seat in Tamil Nadu for BJP. Appatucker nenappu (that's what I think). Stop cribbing and start working for the party."

Gayathri went on to praise BJP leaders S.G. Suryah and Vinoj P. Selvam for handling their roles with grace, while accusing the ruling DMK of blowing the issue out of proportion to keep Annamalai in the news cycle. "His displeasure, however, amounts to nothing significant. Take it as a challenge and win a constituency," she remarked, adding that the BJP would secure double digits this time.

The attack carries personal weight. Gayathri had quit the BJP in 2022, publicly blaming Mr Annamalai for her exit. At the time, she alleged that women were unsafe in the state BJP unit under his leadership and accused the party of denying her equal rights and a fair inquiry. She had been suspended over an audio leak controversy, followed by sustained social media targeting by his supporters.

Her latest criticism comes at a politically sensitive moment. The AIADMK and BJP are now alliance partners for the 23 April Assembly elections, with counting scheduled for 4 May. Reports suggest Annamalai is unlikely to contest, as the only seat allotted to the BJP in the Coimbatore region is Coimbatore North-a constituency he had not reportedly preferred.