Annamalai faces backlash while garlanding Mother Mary statue at church; case registered

All hell broke loose when Tamil Nadu BJP president, K Annamalai tried to garland Mother Mary statue at St Lourdes Church in B.Pallipatti. Christian youths opposed the leader alleging BJP's inaction on riots in Manipur.

Dharmapuri:Tamil Nadu BJP president, K Annamalai, has found himself embroiled in a controversy after an altercation during his rally 'En Mann En Makkal' in the Bommidi area near Pappireddipatti on Monday. The incident has led to a case being registered against Annamalai by Dharmapuri police for allegedly promoting religious enmity.

The controversy unfolded when Annamalai attempted to garland the statue of Mother Mary at St Lourdes Church in B.Pallipatti. A group of Christian youth objected to his entry into the church, citing the Manipur issue, and raised slogans against him. A viral video on social media captured Annamalai engaging in a heated argument with the youths, explaining the Manipur issue.

In the video, Annamalai was heard saying, "Don't speak like DMK. This is a public place. What rights do you have to stop me? What would you do if I lead a rally of 10,000 people and stage a dharna?" Despite the opposition and police intervention, Annamalai eventually garlanded the statue.

A case has been registered under sections 153 (A), 504, and 505 (2) at the Bommidi police station in Dharmapuri district, based on a complaint filed by a man named Karthik.

Responding to the incident, the state BJP unit alleged that the group opposing Annamalai's entry into the church belonged to the ruling party, DMK. The BJP has also condemned the DMK government for the legal action taken against Annamalai in connection with the altercation. The case continues to draw attention as it raises questions about the intersection of politics and religious sentiments.

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