News Brief
Tamil Nadu: Controversy Erupts After BJP Chief K Annamalai Visits Church, Booked For Promoting 'Religious Enmity'
Nayan Dwivedi
Jan 11, 2024, 12:05 PM | Updated 12:05 PM IST
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In a recent turn of events, K Annamalai, the state BJP president in Tamil Nadu, finds himself embroiled in a case registered by the Dharmapuri police for allegedly promoting religious enmity.
As reported by Business Standard, the incident unfolded during Annamalai's political rally 'En Mann En Makkal' in the Bommidi area near Pappireddipatti on 8 January.
Trouble erupted when Annamalai attempted to garland the statue of Mary in St Lourdes Church during the rally.
A group of Christian youths confronted him, objecting to his entry into the church.
A viral video captured the ensuing altercation and a heated argument between Annamalai and the protesting group.
"Don't speak like DMK. This is a public place. What rights do you have to stop me? What would you do if I rallied 10,000 people and staged a dharna?," Annamalai was heard saying in the viral video.
The police responded by registering a case against Annamalai under sections 153 (A), 504, and 505 (2) based on a complaint filed by an individual named Karthik.
In response, the state BJP unit has alleged that the group opposing Annamalai's church visit is affiliated with the ruling party, DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam).
Meanwhile, the BJP condemned the DMK government's decision to take legal action against Annamalai.
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Nayan Dwivedi is Staff Writer at Swarajya.
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