On May 30, around 50 journalists gathered in the oppressive summer heat at the Chennai Press Club’s premises in Chepauk, shouting slogans.
“Do not insult journalists,” one shouted, while another yelled, “We won’t let this go until you apologise.” “We seek justice,” said a third.
The protest was against K Annamalai, president of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s Tamil Nadu unit, and his “bad attitude” towards journalists.
On May 27, Annamalai had attended a press meet organised by the BJP in Chennai where he accused chief minister MK Stalin of staging a “political drama” during prime minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the city a day before.
During the interaction, a journalist named Manickam, who works with a news channel, asked Annamalai about the BJP putting up “illegal banners” in Chennai ahead of Modi’s visit – in violation of a high court order banning temporary hoardings and flex boards. (Manickam asked Newslaundry not to name his employer since he was worried about being “trolled and harassed” by BJP supporters.)
Annamalai replied, “Brother, come with me. DMK’s violation can be seen right outside Stalin’s house.”
When Manickam repeated his question, Annamalai cut him off: “Brother, you will get your Rs 200 today. Don’t worry.”
He then suggested Manickam had been paid “Rs 1,000” before saying: “Arivalayam will give you Rs 1,500. Leave it...Show us the video evidence where we have violated the rules. Please complain with the police...You spoke for three minutes. Arivalayam would be happy. Take Rs 2,000 today.”
Arivalayam refers to Anna Arivalayam, the DMK’s headquarters on Chennai’s Anna Salai. BJP Tamil Nadu also helpfully tweeted a video clip of this interaction.