When I step out, I lock my caste and religion at home: Annamalai at We The Leaders rally
Former BJP leader says a Hindu embraces everyone equally and should not flaunt religion in public
Coimbatore, Jul 12 (PTI) Former BJP Tamil Nadu President K Annamalai on Sunday asserted that a true Hindu treats everyone equally and embraces everyone and does not regard someone as high or low.
Addresing his foundation's first conference at Pollachi near here, Annamalai said he is a proud nationalist and Indian.
Annamalai helmed "We The Leaders" foundation chose a stand against drugs as its theme for its first rally here.
He said: "I am a Hindu, but when I step out, I lock up my caste and religion inside my house. There is no need to highlight and display religion everytime." Furthermore, Annamalai said: "True Hindu treats all equally, he does not talk that one is superior and that another is inferior. He will say that everyone must go together in a straight line. That is my Hindu philosophy." On the recent Tamil Nadu Assembly polls, he said that those below 39 years of age brought about the regime change.
C Joseph Vijay-led TVK, floated in 2024 assumed power emerging as the single largest party in the 2026 TN Assembly polls.
Similarly, in 2031, when Assembly polls are next due, young people belonging to such a young age bracket will bring a very big regime change, he said.
Nobody should be forced to join the movement, he said adding participation should be voluntary based on the work done.
During the next six months, six important issues would be taken up to create awareness including environment, he noted.
Six resolutions were passed in the anti-drug awareness conference that were against drugs, alcohol dependence and abuse.
A resolution slammed alleged lax implementation of norms governing functioning of "FL2" category clubs that serve alcoholic beverages to its members.
According to the organisers, every July will be observed as "White band month" to take a pledge to stay away from drugs and help others to do so.
One of the resolutions said "illegal sale" of liquor must be halted and all liquor outlets located near educational institutions, places of worship and bus termini must be closed.
"Maaruvom Maatruvom," (We will transform and bring about change) an anti-drug slogan echoed in the conference. Several students took a pledge against drugs.
Annamalai, noted for his aggressive style of politics, recently quit the BJP and the Pollachi conference is his first big-ticket public event after walking out of the Saffron party. PTI