Relations between the AIADMK and the BJP have reached a flashpoint in Tamil Nadu.
It started on September 11, when at a public meeting, Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai claimed that Forward Bloc leader Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar was, in 1956, incensed over rationalist remarks made by Dravidian leader CN Annadurai in the premises of the Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple.
He claimed that Annadurai felt intimidated by Muthuramalinga Thevar, apologised to him and left Madurai. The AIADMK, which is named after Annadurai and carries his image in the party flag, initially cautioned Annamalai to mind his language and reminded him of the backlash he had received earlier, for calling their leader Jayalalithaa corrupt.