An audio tape surfaced earlier this week in which Annamalai is reportedly heard giving a go-ahead for the release of a sting video of top BJP leader.
IPS officer K Annamalai, who took over as BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit chief nearly a month ago, has found himself in a spot amid rumblings with the party. Annamalai has come in the centre of the controversy after an audio tape surfaced earlier this week in which he is reportedly heard giving a go-ahead for the release of a sting video that has put a senior leader in the dock, embarrassing the party.
Annamalai, in this purported audio, is heard saying: “Call is yours. How you would want to do it? If you publish (the video) then I would expel them all in a matter of one or two hours. If you don’t publish then it is a bigger headache for me. I have to show this to all, convince all and expel two every month. Hope you are understanding.”
The conversation is linked to a sting operation released earlier this week in which BJP General Secretary of the state unit KT Raghavan was allegedly seen in a sleazy video call with a party worker.
Following the release of a sting video allegedly featuring him, KT Raghavan resigned from the party post on Tuesday. The video featured a person with a strong resemblance to Mr Raghavan. The video was uploaded on YouTube by Madan Ravichandran, his colleague in the saffron party, who claims to have more such stings of BJP leaders.
However, Mr Raghavan denied the allegations against him in a tweet, and said he would take legal action.
“People of Tamil Nadu, party workers and those with me know who I am. I’ve been working for 30 years with no benefits,” he said.
“I learnt about the video about me shared on social media this morning. It’s released to tarnish me and my party. I discussed with the respectful state president Mr Annamalai. I resign from my party position. I deny the allegations. Justice will prevail.”
After the sting video came out, the state unit chief K Annamalai raised doubts over Mr Ravichandran’s intentions, and called it unacceptable.
“We are taking this allegation very seriously and an enquiry commission headed by our party’s State Secretary Srimati Malarkodi will be formed. This team will study the truth behind the allegations and will initiate appropriate actions against those who are proven as accused,” Mr Annamalai said.
“Women office bearers in Bharatiya Janata Party, which is built on very strong traditions and culture, are treated with utmost care, respect, and love,” he said.
However, the new purported audio reveals that Annamalai allegedly wanted Raghavan’s video out. This has put the BJP state unit chief in trouble, while leaving the saffron party red-faced.
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