BJP leader K Annamalai on Monday delivered a fierce counterattack on Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, responding strongly to the sharp criticism and alleged threats made against him. Refusing to be intimidated, Annamalai asserted that political intimidation would not deter him from speaking his mind or visiting Mumbai.

Reacting to the remarks, Annamalai said, “Who are Aaditya Thackeray and Raj Thackeray to threaten me? I am proud to be a farmer’s son. They have organised meetings just to abuse me. I don’t know whether I have become that important. Some have written that they will cut my legs if I come to Mumbai. I will come to Mumbai—try cutting my legs. If I were afraid of such threats, I would have stayed in my village.”

The BJP leader accused his critics of resorting to personal attacks instead of engaging in meaningful political debate. He questioned the logic behind linking appreciation of Mumbai’s global stature with disrespect towards Maharashtra or Marathi identity.

Drawing a comparison, Annamalai added, “If I say Kamaraj is one of India’s greatest leaders, does it mean he is no longer a Tamil? If I say Mumbai is a world-class city, does it mean Maharashtrians didn’t build it? These people are just ignorant.”