In protest against the sexual assault of a girl at a famous Indian university in Chennai, the Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president K Annamalai has flogged himself in front of his house in Coimbatore, barefoot. Annamalai stood before journalists and thousands of party workers and whipped himself six times.
In a shocking incident, a second-year engineering student of the prestigious Anna University was sexually assaulted, and her male friend attacked by a roadside vendor inside the sprawling campus in the heart of the city.
Slamming the criticism over the whiplash protest by Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai, Karnataka BJP said that as a mark of protest, Annamalai symbolically inflicted lashes on himself with a whip, representing divine faith and justice, to condemn the state government's inaction.
Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra stated on Friday, "Tamil Nadu BJP President Annamalai has demonstrated his deep faith and devotion by staging a symbolic protest against the heinous incident of rape of a student at Anna University, Tamil Nadu."
"Highlighting his beliefs, he has called for attention to the 'arrogant and indifferent' stance of the ruling DMK government, which has failed to take legal action against the accused perpetrators," Vijayendra said.
This unique and heartfelt protest has drawn mockery from certain malicious individuals. However, it is imperative for all of us to support such an innovative and meaningful method of protest aimed at ensuring justice for the victim and protecting the dignity of women, he stated.
"It is equally important to condemn the remarks and behaviour of those who ridicule such sincere efforts. Annamalai has vowed not to wear footwear until the DMK government is ousted from power in Tamil Nadu. Let us hope and wish for the success of this determined fight for justice," he said.
Vijayendra opined that this bold struggle against the oppressive DMK government in Tamil Nadu showcases the BJP's commitment to ensuring justice and safeguarding women's rights.
Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai lashed himself six times with a whip on Friday morning outside his residence in Coimbatore.
The act was part of a personal protest against the sexual assault of an Anna University student. Mr Annamalai had announced on Thursday that he would whip himself as a symbolic act of protest against the incident.
He also vowed not to wear slippers until the DMK government is removed from power in Tamil Nadu. The BJP leader stated that he would pray at all six temples of Lord Muruga, the revered war deity in southern India.
Annamalai condemned the police for leaking the FIR related to the sexual assault case, which resulted in the identification of the 19-year-old victim, an engineering student at Anna University.
He accused the authorities of intentionally leaking the details and failing to ensure the safety and anonymity of the survivor.–NDTV