Puducherry campaign interrupted by urgent call
Tamil Nadu BJP former president K Annamalai was campaigning in Puducherry on Monday morning for the party’s candidates when he received a phone call from Union Minister Piyush Goyal, according to party sources.
Asked to rush to Chennai for core meeting
Sources said Goyal asked Annamalai to immediately travel to Chennai for a consultation meeting with key party functionaries, offering to arrange a helicopter. Annamalai subsequently attended the core committee meeting held at the BJP’s Kamalalayam office in Chennai.
Leadership wants him in the Assembly race
At the meeting, Goyal is said to have insisted that Annamalai must contest the upcoming Assembly election, describing it as the leadership’s preference. He reportedly argued that if other leaders contest while Annamalai stays out, it could create an impression of internal confusion.
Annamalai seeks assurance before agreeing
Goyal also urged him to contest from one of the constituencies the BJP has obtained from the AIADMK, sources said. However, Annamalai initially refused and continued to resist, adding that he would consider contesting only if he receives an assurance from the party leadership, according to party circles.
