“Udayanidhi is using my resignation for his political gain” – Nirmal Kumar interview

Nirmal Kumar, who was the state president of BJP’s IT wing, has resigned from that post and joined ADMK. As he has left, many others have left behind him. We posed some questions to Nirmal Kumar about various issues including why he chose ADMK, his criticism of Annamalai, the reaction of the leaders after leaving…

“When did the idea of ​​joining Edappadi’s leadership come up?”

“I am from Usilambatti. I started learning politics with the idea that I should start my political career from ADMK. I joined BJP with the intention of opposing DMK. But the current leadership is not doing that. So, now I am joining my traditional party.”

“Has O. Panneerselvam criticized Edappadi as a traitor?”

“I am from Usilambatti. He has been following the politics of OPS since its inception. I know he is not qualified to talk to Edappadiyar like that. If Panneer, who claims to be the coordinator of ADMK, can go directly with DMK and eat from the same plate, who is a traitor? … He has saved the party from giving up in a bad environment. That is why he has now got the post of General Secretary. Panneer has isolated him with nothing because of the way he behaved.”

“Edappadi and OPS ate on the same plate in the Governor’s House, did it?”

“It is not a political event. A government event at the Governor’s House. It cannot be compared to this.”

“Are you criticizing Edappadi as having usurped Panneer’s place by evicting him?”

“It is not uncommon for volunteers to accept a leader and follow him. Such a leader should earn the respect of volunteers. We have to prove ourselves to that. Paneer doesn’t do that. No one can trust him. Then the party will go to the next level, and the volunteers will stand behind him… They have formed a team now because they understand that there is no one except Edappadi.”

“You say leader, leader. But ADMK did not win any election under the leadership of Edappadi?”

“Has there been an election anywhere like the Erode by-election… Money has been played in this election to the extent of one lakh per household. Beyond that, I see it as a great victory to have received such a large number of votes against the government.”

“Why did you feel the need to make such strong criticisms while leaving the BJP?”

“That’s not a criticism, it’s a fact. It was because I was forced to leave and tell them why I had to quit. For the past 13 years, thousands of people have trusted me in the BJP. If I left without saying anything, it would have upset them. So, I told you why I quit.”

“Couldn’t you have fixed the issues you mentioned while still in the party?”

“We are past the time of talk and action. Everyone knows what is happening in BJP. We have said. There are committees to investigate it. They will take care. I have said what I have to say. For now my only thought is to travel for ADMK very seriously. That is what I am focusing on.”

“Did any of the seniors talk to you after your departure?”

“Many people have written to me expressing regret. I worked hard for the development of the party. I was there during the tough times. For that, DMK has registered many cases against me. We looked at the work without worrying about it. However, due recognition was not received from the leadership. How long can you travel in agony?”

“Has Karu Nagarajan criticized you for being confused?”

“Would you admit the crime against the BJP? If you are there, you should talk like that. He has typed what someone said. Natta himself praised Tamil Nadu BJP as the best IT wing. When the Prime Minister came, we posted 14 lakh tweets. Everyone knows how we did. So, there is no need to worry about his criticism.”

“Has Udayanidhi spoken about your resignation?”

“There is no need to respect his speech. They are using my resignation for their politics.”

“What would you say if you were to give Annamalai a piece of advice?”

“He is not as much as we advise. Let him go. Let us see to our work.”