'Perennial Bias' - Tamil Nadu BJP Chief Annamalai Confronts Journalists, Says Many In Media Have Visceral Hatred Towards His Party and PM Modi

Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Annamalai has been on a confrontational path against many journalists in the state. From posing counter-questions to journalists at press conferences to tweeting against specific journalists the ex-Indian Police Service (IPS) officer turned politician has been in battle mode for the last few weeks.

The most recent episode involved a report in the Times of India whose headline and body gave the impression that the union government had been ignoring Tamil Nadu in allocation of funds from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).

"Tamil Nadu has been left out despite Chief Minister M K Stalin sending several memoranda seeking assistance of 6,230 crore towards relief and restoration in the aftermath of devastating floods in several parts of the state.", the report said pointing out that Rs 3,000 crore had been allotted to other states.

Critics pointed out that the most recent relief fund allocation to other states was for disasters that occurred in May 2021. Tamil Nadu had asked for relief funds to address issues arising out of disasters that occurred much later in the year.

Critics also pointed out that the centre had been working on identifying the needs and quantum required for Tamil Nadu and that this will be processed in the new few months. Some also pointed out that the centre had already released another Rs 1,030 crore for the state disaster response fund.

Annamalai responded to the report by saying that he expected Times of India to do better research on issues and that the particular reporter's 'perennial bias' is being manifest again as 'half baked and agenda driven article in a esteemed paper'.

While many pro-Dravid Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) journalists took umbrage at Annamalai's specific criticism and comment, the latter said that 'Some journalists in TN including you have a visceral hatred for our Hon'ble PM and BJP TN over the years' and that he would continue to target those who bring 'personal prejudice' to reporting.

A number of video clips of Annamalai's press conferences where he is seen confronting journalists with counter-questions and allegations of bias have been in circulation on social media.

In one clip Annamalai is seen saying 'this is how we will respond. When Tamil Nadu media channels turn honest and fair we will also change our tone'.