Tamil Nadu BJP Chief Annamalai Hits Back at Karnataka DyCM DK Shivakumar

Mangalore Today News Network

Chennai, Mar 23, 2025: Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai took a sharp jab at Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar after the latter referred to him as a "poor man" during a press interaction in Chennai on Saturday. Annamalai responded with a pointed remark, hinting at Shivakumar’s alleged ambition to replace Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

DK Shivakumar was in Chennai to attend a DMK-led meeting on the delimitation issue. His visit was marked by protests as BJP workers greeted him with black flags. Unfazed, Shivakumar said, “I welcome these BJP black flags. I have never been afraid, even when they sent me to Tihar Jail. This officer (Annamalai), poor man, is from my state. He has served us and knows our strength. Let him do his job. I wish him all the best.”

Annamalai quickly took to social media to respond. “Indeed, I have dutifully served the people of Karnataka as a police officer. Thank you for the acknowledgment, Thiru @DKShivakumar avare. Also, I appreciate your kind words for this ‘poor man.’ Wishing you success in your relentless pursuit of becoming Karnataka’s Chief Minister by dethroning Thiru Siddaramaiah from his position,” he wrote.

In a separate post, Annamalai also criticized Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin for convening the meeting on delimitation, calling it a "delusional drama." Referring to remarks by DMK Minister TM Anbarasan, Annamalai accused DMK leaders of insulting northern Indians and questioned the coherence of the I.N.D.I. Alliance partners.

The exchange reflects ongoing tensions between the BJP and Congress leaders, as well as the BJP’s criticisms of the DMK-led initiatives in Tamil Nadu.