Annamalai whips himself seeking justice in Anna University sexual assault case
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Chennai: Tamil Nadu BJP state president K Annamalai has drawn media attention today, months after his party’s lackluster performance in the state, by whipping himself eight times Friday morning demanding justice in the alleged sexual assault in Anna University.
K Annamalai performed whipping in front of media persons and BJP supporters claiming it was his atonement for ruling DMK’s alleged inefficiency, The Free Press Journal reported.
A day before this act, the BJP leader announced whipping as part of his vows which included his decision to forgo any footwear until DMK was removed from power.
Visuals showed Annamalai shirtless but wearing green mundu flogging himself with a long whip.
All the while he whipped himself, the BJP workers were seen holding placards reading ‘Don’t you have any shame, Stalin?’, ‘Hang accused Gnanasekharan,’ and ‘#ShameOnYouStalin.’
His initial vow was to flog himself six times but he struck himself about eight times, before party workers stopped him.
Later, Annamalai told the media that the self-flagellation is part of Tamil cultural traditions, adding that ‘Flogging oneself, engaging in tough rituals and punishing oneself are deeply rooted in our culture. This is not directed against any individual but is a symbolic protest against the continuous injustice prevailing in the state. What happened in Anna University is just the tipping point’.
Stressing that people of Tamil Nadu are suffering under DMK rule, he said ‘Many of my forefathers walked this path, and I have chosen to follow it. This is a process of surrendering to God.’
Annamalai explained his decision to forgo footwear as a deliberate act of humility, symbolizing surrender to a larger power, adding ‘After all the hard work of the party and cadres, we leave it to divine intervention to address the state’s issues’.
The BJP leader declared that his party’s goal is to oust DMK from power in 2026 assembly polls to restore the state’s lost glory.
Annamalai vowed to continue barefoot until the DMK is removed from power.
