Coimbatore: Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai has once again made headlines with his dramatic protest, declaring that he will continue a personal ritual of self-flagellation until the DMK is removed from power. Dressed in a green dhoti and shirtless, Annamalai whipped himself eight times using a coconut fiber whip in front of his residence in Coimbatore, condemning the DMK government for what he claims are the increasing crimes and injustices in the state.
Addressing reporters yesterday, Annamalai explained his actions. "From tomorrow, there would be protests outside houses..... I will hold a self-flagellation event outside my house at 10 AM. I will stand outside as the BJP state president and whip myself six times in the morning. I will also go without sandals until the DMK is removed from power," he said, adding that he plans to fast for 48 days beginning tomorrow. Annamalai stated that by the second week of February, he intends to visit the Arupadai House to appeal to Lord Muruga.
In his latest protest, which took place today, Annamalai continued with his plan. After whipping himself eight times, he was stopped by onlookers just as he was about to strike the ninth lash. Despite the interruption, Annamalai remained firm in his commitment to his cause.
"The situation in Tamil Nadu is worsening," he said. "Crimes against women and children are increasing daily, and it feels like the next generation is being destroyed right before our eyes. It's a basic tradition not to harm women, even in times of war, but today that seems to be forgotten."
He emphasized the symbolic nature of his protest, explaining that his self-inflicted pain is a way to invoke divine intervention. "I am offering these six lashes to Lord Muruga. This is not for personal hatred, but to protest the injustices that may occur in society. We are following a path of morality," he stated.
Annamalai also commented on his political journey, stating, "I am involved in honest farming. If I lose the 2026 elections, I won’t worry. I believe in politics based on trust with the people, not using power for personal gain. The positions of power are fleeting-- like peeling an onion. It's the individual life that matters."
Responding to recent statements made by Chennai’s police commissioner regarding a woman’s family being satisfied with the police's handling of a case, Annamalai expressed concern. "Can a police officer speak like that? If crimes were prevented before they happened, would they have been satisfied? The police are not acting independently anymore, and there’s no chance of an FIR being leaked unless it's intentional," he added.
This protest is part of Annamalai’s broader political strategy to challenge the DMK and bring attention to what he perceives as the government’s failure to address critical social issues.