Tamil Nadu BJP state president K. Annamalai fulfilled his unusual promise of self-flogging on Thursday as part of his protest against the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government's alleged inefficiency. The act, which Annamalai described as "atonement," took place in front of BJP supporters and media representatives.

Dressed in a green mundu and bare-chested, Annamalai whipped himself with a long white lash, symbolizing his protest against what he called "injustice" under DMK rule. Supporters held placards with slogans such as “Don’t you have any shame Stalin?”, “Hang accused Gnanasekharan,” and “#ShameOnYouStalin.” Though he initially struck himself six times as promised, Annamalai ultimately flogged himself around eight times before party workers intervened to stop him.

After the act, Annamalai addressed the gathering, explaining that his actions were rooted in Tamil cultural traditions. “Flogging ourselves, enduring tough rituals, and punishing oneself are practices deeply embedded in Tamil culture. This is not a protest against a person but against the ongoing injustice in the state,” he said. He referred to the recent controversy involving Anna University as "just the tipping point" of a broader failure in governance.

The BJP leader also revealed a personal decision to forego footwear as a form of devotion. “After much reflection, I chose to remove my footwear as a gesture of surrender to a higher power. This reflects my belief in leaving matters to divine will after working hard with my party and cadres,” he said.

Annamalai also reiterated his party's commitment to removing the DMK from power by 2026, vowing to restore Tamil Nadu's "lost glory." He had earlier announced that he would not wear slippers until the DMK government was overthrown, symbolizing his dedication to the cause.

Framing the act as a spiritual and cultural expression, Annamalai emphasized, “This is a process of surrendering to God and following the path of my forefathers who believed in these traditions.” He criticized the DMK for its administrative inefficiency, which, according to him, continues to burden the common man.