BJP leader Annamalai calls Jayalalithaa 'far superior Hindutva leader'; Anna DMK leaders and Sasikala hits back

CHENNAI: BJP Tamil Nadu president K Annamalai's remarks that former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa was a Hindu leader and Anna DMK has forgotten Hinduism after her death has become a political controversy. Along with the Anna DMK leaders, Jayalalitha's friend Sasikala also came out against Annamalai. A statement issued by the Anna DMK state committee said that Annamalai's remarks show ignorance and misunderstanding of the late Chief Minister. Former minister and senior leader D Jayakumar criticized Annamalai as trying to portray Jayalalithaa as only a Hindu and tarnish Jayalalithaa's reputation for his political gain and fame in Tamil Nadu.

"'Amma' worked uncompromisingly to protect people of all religions and respect their beliefs. Demolition of the Babri Masjid led to violence in other states but Jayalalitha ensured that there was no violence in Tamil Nadu," Jayakumar said.

Former minister RB Udayakumar in Madurai alleged that Annamalai's remarks were politically motivated. "If you want to adopt Amma's principles, you can join Anna DMK. If you want to attract people's attention, you should praise BJP leaders like Vajpayee, Advani or Savarkar."

It is a known fact that Jayalalithaa believed in God but Jayalalitha was a remarkable leader who earned the respect and trust of people from all backgrounds, irrespective of caste and religion," Sasikala said.