Former Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai clarified that he does not endorse Abhijeet Dipke's organisation and criticised the handling of protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar
K Annamalai has denied supporting the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), led by Abhijeet Dipke, while defending the democratic right to protest. Responding to criticism of his remarks on police action, the former Tamil Nadu BJP president said authorities should follow legal procedures and rejected questions about his patriotism.
Chennai: Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai has clarified that his criticism of police action against Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protesters should not be interpreted as support for the organisation led by Abhijeet Dipke.
Speaking at an event organised by his We the Leaders movement on Thursday, October 22, Annamalai said his political position differed from that of CJP but maintained that political organisations have the right to protest in a democracy.
"We never support the Cockroach Janta Party. Their agenda is different, and ours is different," he said.
His clarification followed criticism of his earlier remarks questioning the police response to CJP demonstrations demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.
K Annamalai Clarifies Position on CJP Protests
Annamalai maintained that defending the right to protest should not be confused with endorsing the demands or ideology of a particular organisation.
He argued that authorities should follow established legal procedures when taking action against demonstrators.
The former BJP leader had earlier questioned the detention of CJP protesters and criticised the manner in which the authorities responded to their demonstrations.
He also questioned whether the political response to CJP was unintentionally giving the organisation greater public attention.
Annamalai Responds to BJP Criticism Over Patriotism
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, Annamalai rejected suggestions that his position reflected a lack of commitment to the country.
"I have experience living and working in many states of the country. I know India's unity and sovereignty. Therefore, no one needs to lecture me on patriotism," he said.
Annamalai maintained that concerns about national security should be addressed through established institutions rather than allegations circulated on social media.
He argued that if authorities possessed evidence of activities threatening India's sovereignty, they should investigate the matter and take action under the law.
Annamalai Praises PM Modi but Defends Right to Question Government
Despite criticising the handling of the protests, Annamalai praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.
"Modi is a good PM, who is doing good work," he said.
However, he maintained that supporting the Prime Minister did not prevent him from questioning decisions he considered wrong.
Annamalai also expressed concern about attempts to portray criticism of government decisions as opposition to the country.
He highlighted the importance of protecting democratic rights while respecting constitutional institutions.
CJP Protests Continue Over CEC Gyanesh Kumar's Resignation
The controversy follows demonstrations organised by the CJP against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The organisation has demanded Kumar's resignation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has accused the Election Commission of undermining voter rights and called for an investigation into disputed electoral-roll decisions.
The Election Commission has rejected allegations of institutional manipulation and maintained that its decisions were taken through established procedures.
Annamalai's latest remarks distinguish his defence of lawful protest from support for CJP's political demands.
