Annamalai Takes A Swipe at DMK Over Rajinikanth's 'Old Students' Comment

Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai launched a sharp critique of the ruling DMK on Monday, interpreting actor Rajinikanth's recent "old students" remark as a sign of brewing discontent within the party.

Rajinikanth, at the launch event of a book on former Chief Minister and DMK founder M Karunanidhi, had praised Chief Minister MK Stalin for effectively "managing" veteran leaders after his father's death.

"For a school teacher (Stalin), handling new students isn't a problem at all. But managing the old students (senior leaders) is not an easy task. Here (in DMK), there are many old students. These are not normal students. They are all rank holders. How to manage all of them? Especially people like Durai Murugan. Stalin sir, hats off to you," Rajinikanth had said.

Rajinikanth's Remarks Stir Controversy

Annamalai seized upon Rajinikanth's statement and said, "I see Superstar Rajinikanth's speech as a warning to Chief Minister MK Stalin that a revolt may occur when the chair is given to Udhayanidhi Stalin when Durai Murugan and EV Velu are present. It was his way of sugar-coating facts for Stalin without hurting anyone."

Rajinikanth had caused a flutter with his remarks, which were seen as a veiled reference to the potential sidelining of senior DMK leaders like Durai Murugan in favour of the Chief Minister's son, Udhayanidhi Stalin.

Annamalai Criticises DMK and AIADMK

Annamalai also slammed the DMK over its recent celebration of Lord Murugan with a global conference despite its previous anti-Sanatana Dharma rhetoric, pointing out the party's shift in position within a year.

"DMK wanted to eradicate Sanatana Dharma. Now it is celebrating Lord Murugan. DMK changes script if it senses anger of people," he charged.

The BJP leader also lashed out at AIADMK General Secretary Edapadi K Palanisamy (EPS), who had claimed that Annamalai knows no politics and relies solely on his oratory skills.

Responding to the attack, Annamalai alleged that Palaniswami rose to power through a tender and bidding system in Koovathur and dubbed him "the highest bidding agent of the party".

Durai Murugan Responds

Durai Murugan had responded with an apparent veiled jab of his own at the Tamil superstar, saying, "In a similar situation, even we can say young artists are losing opportunities because of old actors who continue to act, even after growing beards and losing teeth."

On Monday, Rajinikanth brushed aside rumours of a rift with Durai Murugan and reaffirmed his long-standing friendship with the DMK leader.

"Durai Murugan is my long-time friend. Whatever he says is not an issue; our friendship will always continue," Rajinikanth was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

No Alliance with Rivals

Murugan echoed the sentiment, stating that their jokes should not be misconstrued as enmity and that his friendship with Rajinikanth remains strong.

He also categorically ruled out forming an electoral alliance with the DMK or the AIADMK, as he considers both parties the BJP's "principal rivals".