Coimbatore: K Annamalai, who earlier led the BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit, on Tuesday came out in support of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s criticism of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, even as he cautioned that opposition to any electoral exercise must not erode public confidence in democratic institutions.
Speaking to media persons after taking part in a Vidhyarambam function at a private school here, Annamalai said political scrutiny of the SIR exercise was legitimate, but added that it should be pursued without harming institutional credibility.
“Rahul Gandhi has every right to question the SIR process, but institutional damage should not be caused,” he said.
Police Action Under Fire
He also took strong exception to the Delhi Police’s treatment of functionaries of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), an organisation that has been protesting over electoral roll revisions and related concerns, as reported by The Statesman.
Annamalai alleged that the detained leaders and their legal representatives had repeatedly encountered obstacles while seeking bail. He suggested that the manner in which the proceedings were being conducted raised questions about whether the authorities were intentionally complicating their access to legal remedies.
He argued that continued incarceration of the leaders could prove counterproductive for the government, saying it might amplify their public profile rather than diminish their influence.
“Keeping leaders in prison can make them even more popular,” he said, warning that such measures could foster greater resentment among the youth against the Union Government.
While distancing himself from some of the CJP’s protest methods, Annamalai maintained that the issues the group had raised deserved an official response rather than punitive action.
“I may not agree with their antics or mode of protest, but I completely support CJP in terms of the questions they want to raise. Arresting them and dragging them into jail will only make their leaders stronger,” he said.
Appeal For Civility
Annamalai also voiced concern over the increasingly hostile tone of political exchanges, especially on social media platforms, where abusive posts and personal attacks have become frequent.
He said citizens were entitled to voice their views and back leaders they admired, but urged them not to cross into violence or behaviour that could damage their own lives.
“Admire your favourite icon, but do not hurt yourself or ruin your life in the process,” he said.
The former police officer-turned-politician added that criticism and negative commentary were part of public life, but expressed confidence that people would eventually discern the truth.
He emphasised that political differences ought to be debated through reasoned and dignified discussion rather than abuse or personal vilification.
