"Made a strong statement": BJP's Prakash Reddy on Annamalai's decision to not wear footwear till DMK is out of power

Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], December 27 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Prakash Reddy on Friday said that Tamil Nadu BJP state president Annamalai made a strong statement by deciding not to wear any footwear until Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is removed from power.
Reddy also noted Annamalai whipping himself to protest against the DMK government over the alleged sexual assault incident at Anna University in Chennai.
"Annamalai made a strong statement that he will not wear any footwear until he defeats the DMK party. This shows the misrule of the DMK party. He also punished himself. This incident (Anna University sexual assault case|) shows the failure of the DMK government," Reddy said.
On Thursday, Annamalai announced that he would not wear sandals from now onwards until the DMK is ousted from power and that he would fast for 48 days.
Earlier that day, Annamalai whipped himself in front of his house as part of his protest against the DMK government in light of the sexual assault incident at Anna University.
Annamalai was seen whipping himself and after he completed his six-whip, one of the men standing behind rushed towards him and stopped him from further continuing.
He said that his protest was against the "continuous injustice" in the state.
"Anybody understanding the Tamil culture will always know these are all part of the land. Flogging ourselves, punishing ourselves and putting ourselves through tough rhythms are all part of this culture. This is not against any person or thing but against a continuous injustice that is happening in the state," Annamalai said.
"What has happened at the Anna University is only a tipping point. If you look at what has been happening in the last 3 years, continuous injustice against common people, women, children and high corruption... Yesterday we announced and I have chosen to go the path which a lot of my forefathers have walked on, flogging ourselves and whipping," he added.
A second-year student of Anna University was allegedly sexually assaulted by a man on the university campus on the night of December 23. One individual has been arrested in connection with the case.
Opposition parties in Tamil Nadu criticised the DMK government over the incident accusing it of poorly handling the law and order. (ANI)