Former BJP Tamil Nadu chief K Annamalai on Monday asserted that the party remains committed to its alliance, dismissing allegations that he is working against the BJP-AIADMK partnership.

Speaking to reporters, Annamalai said, “As far as BJP is concerned, we don’t cheat others or get cheated. We don’t grab from anyone or push a party down for our growth, but we don’t get fooled as well.”

Addressing questions over his perceived indifference to the BJP-AIADMK alliance, he responded, “Please mention where I spoke against the alliance. When did I say power sharing? It was India’s Home Minister who said that. Did I ever say I played a role in the alliance? Did I say I won’t sit next to Amit Shah when EPS and he sat next to each other on stage? Haven’t I remained silent for three months?”

On accusations that his absence from AIADMK’s yatra signalled a rift, Annamalai defended his decision. “Why should I join? When I started my yatra, former AIADMK ministers joined. When they started their yatra, our State President and other leaders joined. I’m a karyakarta; important leaders went. I won’t go anywhere uninvited as an unwanted guest. I have self-respect,” he said, adding, “Even if I don’t like something, I’ll quietly watch.”

Annamalai also distanced himself from speculation about him being in line for the General Secretary’s post, saying he was never after positions. “Have you ever seen me going behind a post? I even called the State President post an onion, if you keep peeling, there won’t be anything inside. Let us keep doing our job,” he remarked.

He reiterated that he played no part in forming the alliance and continues to stand by the decision he took in 2021 when he joined the BJP. “I did not play a part in forming this alliance. I remain in the same stance which I took in 2021,” he said.

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