BJP’s Tamilisai Soundararaja has refuted speculations arising from a viral video circulating on social media, which shows Union Home Minister Amit Shah seemingly engaging in a stern conversation with her. Soundararajan, who resigned from her position as Telangana governor in March to run for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Chennai, took to X (formerly Twitter) to clarify the situation.BJP’s Tamilisai Soundararajan

In her post, Soundararajan stated that the viral video had been misinterpreted. She explained that Amit Shah was not scolding her but rather advising her on how to enhance her political and constituency efforts. She emphasized that viewers had misconstrued Shah’s demeanor in the video, clarifying that his intent was to provide constructive feedback and guidance.

Soundararajan elaborated that Shah’s advice was aimed at intensifying her engagement with political activities and her constituency work. She expressed gratitude for Shah’s counsel, highlighting his role in mentoring party members to achieve greater effectiveness in their political duties. Soundararajan also reassured her supporters and the public that there was no discord between her and the Home Minister, and that their interaction was purely professional and supportive.BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan

This clarification comes after Soundararajan’s unsuccessful bid in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, a significant political move following her tenure as Telangana governor. Her statement seeks to dispel any misunderstandings and reaffirm her commitment to her political responsibilities and to the guidance provided by senior BJP leaders like Amit Shah.

The video captured the swearing-in ceremony of Chandrababu Naidu as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh in Vijayawada.

Clarification on Recent Speculations

Yesterday, I met with our Honorable Home Minister Amit Shah in Andhra Pradesh for the first time since the 2024 elections,” Soundararajan stated in a post on X on Thursday evening.

“He called me over to discuss the post-election follow-up and the challenges I have been facing. As I was explaining, he, with genuine concern, advised me to intensify my political and constituency work due to the limited time available. His advice was very reassuring. I want to address and clear up all the unnecessary speculations surrounding this interaction, she added.

Soundararajan further explained that the meeting took place during the swearing-in ceremony of Chandrababu Naidu as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh in Vijayawada. She emphasized that the conversation was professional and supportive, aimed at enhancing her effectiveness in her political responsibilities. Soundararajan expressed her appreciation for Shah’s guidance and mentorship, reaffirming her commitment to her political duties and the BJP’s goals.

What Did the Soundararajan-Shah Viral Clip Reveal?

The 18-second viral clip captures Tamilisai Soundararajan greeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah and former Vice President Venkaiah Naidu with folded hands.

As she begins to walk past, Amit Shah calls her back, engages her in conversation, and gestures emphatically by wagging his finger.

This interaction occurs in the presence of prominent leaders, including BJP President JP Nadda, Minister Nitin Gadkari, and LJP leader Chirag Paswan, who are seated nearby.

The clip, taken during Chandrababu Naidu’s swearing-in ceremony as Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister in Vijayawada, sparked widespread speculation about the nature of their discussion.

Soundararajan has voiced her criticism of BJP Tamil Nadu unit chief K Annamalai following the party’s poor performance in the state elections. This led to speculation that Amit Shah was reprimanding her for her comments.BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan

Recently, Soundararajan took a swipe at Annamalai, stating, “During my tenure as BJP chief, I maintained a standard by not allowing anti-social elements into the party. However, such elements have been admitted recently. Despite this, I have no doubt that Annamalai is a capable leader.”

Tamilisai Clarifies Conversation with Amit Shah

The conversation between the two leaders happened moments before Chandrababu Naidu was sworn-in as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh

Tamil Nadu BJP leader and former Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan in conversation with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, at the swearing-in ceremony of N. Chandrababu Naidu, at Gannavaram on June 12. Former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu is seated at the right.

A day after a viral video surfaced showing BJP leader and Home Minister Amit Shah engaged in a serious conversation with former Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan on social media, Soundararajan responded with a clarification on Thursday.

She posted on X, explaining, “Yesterday, I met our Honorable Home Minister Sri Amit Shah ji in Andhra Pradesh for the first time after the 2024 Elections. He called me to discuss post-poll follow-up and challenges. As I explained, due to time constraints, he advised me with great concern to intensify political and constituency work, which was reassuring. This clarifies any unwarranted speculations.”BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan

The conversation took place just before Chandrababu Naidu’s swearing-in as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday. Both leaders were present on the dais and exchanged brief words. The nature of their interaction sparked speculation, with some interpreting Shah’s demeanor as admonishing towards the former Governor.

Newsmaker | Who is Tamilisai Soundararajan

Formerly the Tamil Nadu BJP chief, Soundararajan resigned from her position as the Governor of Telangana three months ago to run for the Lok Sabha elections in Chennai South. However, she faced a significant defeat. BJP’s Tamilisai Soundararajan

Former Tamil Nadu BJP chief and former Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, who gained significant attention last year due to conflicts with the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS)-led Telangana government, is once again in the spotlight. This time, it revolves around a viral video clip that some BJP leaders interpret as Union Home Minister Amit Shah admonishing her for “unwarranted public comments” against current Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai.

The video surfaced shortly after Soundararajan suggested in an interview with a YouTube channel that the party’s alliance with the AIADMK could have yielded better electoral results, a viewpoint divergent from Annamalai’s.

The BJP leader ‘admonished’ by Amit Shah

BJP’s Tamilisai Soundararajan

I have always discouraged and disregarded anti-social elements within the party. However, lately, such individuals have secured positions in certain districts. These practices need to be curbed, and dedicated party workers deserve recognition for their hard work. This doesn’t mean I consider him (Annamalai) an inadequate leader. On the contrary, different leaders make decisions in different ways, Soundararajan remarked.

On Wednesday, various BJP accounts shared a video capturing an interaction between Shah and Soundararajan onstage during Chandrababu Naidu’s swearing-in as Andhra Pradesh CM. Karthik Gopinath, state vice-president of the BJP’s social media cell, posted it on social media, commenting: Looks like Amit Shah ji strongly admonishing Tamilisai akka. What prompted this ‘public’ warning? Unwarranted public comments?”

The daughter of former state Congress chief Kumari Ananthan, Soundararajan has carved a distinct path in the BJP for over a decade, diverging from her family’s political legacy. Over her political tenure spanning more than two decades with the BJP, Soundararajan has occupied significant electoral and administrative roles. Her appointment as Tamil Nadu BJP chief in 2014, with Shah’s directive to “expand the party’s influence beyond the Hindi heartland,” surprised many.

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