Chennai: Tamil Nadu BJP state president K Annamalai whipped himself eight times on Friday morning as a mark of protest to demand justice in the Anna University alleged sexual assault case. The self-whipping was a part of a vow he made during a press conference the previous day. The act, which he described as the first step of his atonement for the alleged inefficiency of the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government, was carried out in front of mediapersons and BJP supporters today.
Dressed in a traditional green mundu and shirtless, Annamalai used a long white whip to flog himself, a spectacle that was accompanied by BJP supporters holding placards with slogans such as “Don’t you have any shame, Stalin?”, “Hang accused Gnanasekharan,” and “#ShameOnYouStalin.” Though he initially vowed to flog himself six times, the leader reportedly struck himself about eight times before party supporters intervened to stop him.
Flogging Oneself Deeply Rooted In Our Culture: Annamalai
Addressing the media after the act, Annamalai framed the self-flagellation as a reflection of Tamil cultural traditions. “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,” he stated.
He further elaborated that his actions were inspired by ancestral practices and were a gesture of surrender to a higher power. “Many of my forefathers walked this path, and I have chosen to follow it. This is a process of surrendering to God,” he said, stressing that Tamil Nadu’s people were suffering daily under DMK’s misgovernance.
Annamalai Decides Not To Wear Chappals
Annamalai also explained his decision to forgo footwear, saying it was a deliberate act of humility. “Removing my chappals symbolizes surrendering to a larger power. After all the hard work of the party and cadres, we leave it to divine intervention to address the state’s issues,” he remarked.
The BJP leader reaffirmed his commitment to defeating the DMK, declaring the BJP’s ultimate goal for 2026: to oust the DMK from power and restore Tamil Nadu’s ‘lost glory.’ His vow to remain barefoot until the DMK is dethroned underscores his commitment to this cause.
