T.R. Baalu, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) treasurer and a Lok Sabha MP, has withdrawn a ₹100 crore defamation lawsuit he filed against K. Annamalai, the former president of the Tamil Nadu unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The suit was initiated after Annamalai released his 'DMK Files' in 2023, leveling allegations of corruption against several DMK leaders, including Baalu.
Reacting to the development on Tuesday, Annamalai stated that Baalu had decided to withdraw the case "out of his own wishes." He took to X (formerly Twitter) to inform the public, emphasizing his continued stand on the corruption allegations.
Annamalai's Stance on 'DMK Files'
"Thiru TR Baalu filed a defamation case against me for publishing the assets/companies owned by him and his family through DMK Files & he had sought ₹100 Crores in damages," Annamalai wrote. He further detailed his involvement in the legal proceedings, stating, "As you all know, after a certain time period in the trial, I argued my own case and personally cross-examined him, and the details of which are in the public domain."
Annamalai reaffirmed his commitment to the claims made in the 'DMK Files'. "I wish to inform all concerned that I continue to stand by every single remark that I had made against the previous DMK govt and certain members of the DMK party till now," he asserted.
Legal Proceedings and Counter-Allegations
The defamation suit was filed in a Saidapet court. During the cross-examination phase, Annamalai claimed that Baalu made unsubstantiated defamatory remarks against him within the court premises. This prompted Annamalai to initiate separate legal proceedings against Baalu for those allegations.
Annamalai thanked his legal team, including advocates Paul Kanagaraj and Kumaraguru, along with other members of the BJP legal team, for their support throughout the case. He concluded his statement with the adage, "Truth always triumphs!"