Chennai: In a bold statement on Monday, former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai asserted that he will not be intimidated by threats from the Maharashtra Navanirman Sena (MNS) and Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders, following controversy over his remarks about Mumbai during the recently concluded civic elections.

Annamalai, who has been at the center of a political storm after his comments on Mumbai’s identity, said he would return to the city regardless of the threats directed at him. “I will come to Mumbai again. Do whatever you can. If I were to get scared of such threats and intimidation, I would have remained in my native village forever,” he told reporters in Chennai. He referred to a threat published in Saamana, the Shiv Sena’s party organ, which allegedly stated that his legs would be cut off if he entered Mumbai.

Background of the Controversy

The controversy began on January 9, when Annamalai was campaigning in Mumbai for the BJP during civic elections. During his speech, he described Mumbai as “not a Maharashtrian city but an international city”, a remark that triggered an immediate backlash from the MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT). The comments were seen as undermining the local identity, prompting aggressive responses from both parties.

In response, MNS chief Raj Thackeray publicly attacked Annamalai, calling him a “rasmalai” and allegedly reviving the old slogan ‘Hatao Lungi, Bajao Pungi’, originally from the 1960s, which has been widely viewed as discriminatory against Tamilians. Annamalai condemned the move, calling the public meetings organized to target him as “abusive and unnecessary”.

Annamalai’s Response

Despite the threats, Annamalai expressed that his sense of identity and pride would not be compromised. He highlighted his humble background as the son of a farmer and questioned the logic behind regional leaders threatening someone for expressing views about a city outside their home state.

“Who are Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray to threaten me? I am proud to be a farmer’s son. They have organised meetings just to abuse me,” Annamalai said, asserting that he would continue speaking his mind without fear.

He further emphasized the difference between respect for a city and its people and the broader identity of India. “If we call Prime Minister Narendra Modi the leader of India, does that mean he stops being a Gujarati? If we call Kamaraj, the late Congress chief minister, a great leader of India, does that mean he stops being a Tamil?” he asked.

Annamalai also defended his remarks about Mumbai, clarifying that acknowledging its global status did not undermine the contributions of Maharashtrians to the city. “Similarly, when we call Mumbai the capital of the world, does that mean it is not a city built by Maharashtrians? Does it mean that Mumbai was not built by the hard work of Marathi brothers and sisters?” he questioned.

On Shiv Sena and Balasaheb Thackeray

While criticizing Raj and Uddhav Thackeray, Annamalai clarified that he held respect for Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray. He mentioned that during his tenure as the BJP state president in Tamil Nadu, he had a picture of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in his office, reflecting his admiration for Maharashtra’s cultural icons.

Wider Political Implications

Annamalai’s defiance comes amid rising regional tensions, particularly regarding Tamil-Maharashtrian relations in Mumbai. His remarks, and the subsequent threats, have ignited debates about the limits of free speech, regional pride, and political intimidation.

The BJP leader’s insistence on returning to Mumbai, despite threats, signals his intention to maintain a national presence for the party in Maharashtra, challenging the influence of the Shiv Sena and MNS in the region. His comments may also resonate with the Tamil diaspora in Mumbai, who have occasionally faced discrimination in the city.

Conclusion

K Annamalai’s remarks reflect a larger debate over regional identity versus national perspective, particularly in urban centers like Mumbai, which are home to diverse populations. By refusing to be intimidated by threats from Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS, he has positioned himself as a defender of free expression and pan-Indian identity, while simultaneously affirming respect for local Maharashtrian contributions.

Annamalai’s statements are likely to further intensify political discourse in Maharashtra, especially as Mumbai prepares for upcoming civic engagements and as BJP seeks to consolidate its presence in the state.