In a gruesome incident that has shocked many, DMK cadre were seen beheading a goat on camera to celebrate the BJP’s loss. The ‘beheading’ was symbolically targeted at state BJP president and former IPS officer K Annamalai. In a disturbing act, the party workers had pasted a picture of Annamalai on the goat’s body before beheading it right on the road, followed by loud cheers and hooting in joy.

On June 4, the DMK cadre in Coimbatore organized a victory march, proudly carrying a goat adorned with a picture of Annamalai. The scene was unsettling as they declared, "since Annamalai had been defeated, there will be ‘goat biriyani’ made." This shocking declaration was followed by the preparation and distribution of mutton biriyani to DMK workers and supporters, who reveled in their controversial celebration in Coimbatore.

Such acts of violence and grotesque symbolism are not just alarming but deeply condemnable. The actions of these DMK supporters reflect a dangerous and unacceptable form of political rivalry that has no place in a civilized society. Beheading an innocent animal and using it as a symbol of political victory is a heinous act that shows a complete lack of respect for life and decency.

The celebration with mutton biriyani, while presented as a festive act, is marred by the brutal context in which it was held. This act of violence has been rightfully criticized by many as not just an attack on Annamalai but an affront to humane values. Political disagreements and rivalries should never lead to such barbaric displays of hatred and violence. The gruesome actions of the DMK cadre need to be condemned in the strongest possible terms, as they set a dangerous precedent for political conduct.

DMK uses the ‘goat’ (Aadu in Tamil) as a derogatory reference for K Annamalai because the BJP president belongs to a humble farming family that raises goats. Earlier, Annamalai had said before the media that he owns no properties, except a few goats.

Responding to DMK’s constant mocking of him as ‘goat’, Annamalai had acknowledged that his family rears goats and his parents have raised him by selling goats. He stated, "I feel no shame in being compared to goats," emphasizing his pride in his humble origins.

The goat reference by DMK for K Annamalai is also meant to counter his popularity as the ‘Singham’ (lion) in Karnataka, where he was posted as Deputy Commissioner of Police in South Bengaluru. This stark contrast between being called a lion and a goat highlights the political mockery and rivalry in play.

Anand Ranganathan, @ARanganathan72, also took to the X platform to express his disgust. He stated, "Alliance supporters pasted @annamalai_k's photo on a goat's head and then beheaded it, dragging the carcass amid joyous cries. This is beyond symbolism. This is a spine-chilling naked celebration of ISIS ideology. On Indian roads. No outrage. Because Democracy is not in danger." His reaction underlines the severity and grotesque nature of the incident, comparing it to extremist ideologies and lamenting the lack of public outrage.

These actions by DMK supporters reflect a troubling trend in political rivalry, where personal attacks and derogatory symbols are used to demean opponents. The use of a goat, an animal linked to Annamalai’s family background, as a tool for political mockery is a stark reminder of the lengths to which political adversaries will go to insult and belittle each other

In-charge of BJP's National Information & Technology Dept, Amit Malviya (मोदी का परिवार), @amitmalviya, expressed his outrage on social media. He wrote, "This is how Annamalai’s political rivals ‘celebrated’ DMK win in Tamil Nadu - by slaughtering a goat in full public view, with a picture of Annamalai on it. Barbaric. This is how the anti-Santan I.N.D.I Alliance will butcher the Hindus if they ever come to power. Initial data suggests that in 2024, 3 out of 4 Muslims have voted for the Congress alliance. Up from 2/4 in 2019. The Congress is now the new Muslim League. They will not stop until they take away reservation of the SC/ST/OBCs and give it to the Muslims. We must stop them at all costs. Simultaneously, the Congress and its alliance will unleash caste divisions, in order to weaken the Hindu consolidation, just as they have tried this time. This is a long-cherished project of the Breaking India forces. Hindus need to beware."

BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) @Shehzad_Ind, also condemned the incident. He wrote, "It’s been over 2 hours since I posted about this barbarism directed against @annamalai_k. Nor has a single “Saviour of Constitution” nor a single Pseudo Liberal condemned it, nor has any legal action been initiated. It shows that INDI alliance patronises this… so you won a few seats and you are down to showing your jaahil street behaviour… Ham Bhi Dekhenge.. zaroor dekhenge."

The outcry from BJP leaders highlights the severity of the incident and the perceived threat posed by such acts of violence. On June 4, which also happened to be Annamalai’s birthday, he lost to DMK’s Ganapathy Rajkumar J from the Coimbatore Lok Sabha seat. This loss was marked by an act that goes beyond mere political rivalry, reflecting a deeper and more disturbing trend of violent celebrations and symbolic attacks.

The Wider Political Context of Symbolic Beheadings

The recent incident where DMK supporters in Tamil Nadu symbolically 'beheaded' a goat with K Annamalai’s picture is not an isolated case in the political landscape of India. Historical evidence shows a troubling pattern where political entities use the imagery of their opponents in effigies and animals to express extreme disapproval and simulate public execution.

For instance, in 2022, there were reports of eerily lifelike effigies of Nupur Sharma being hung in public spaces in Belgavi, Karnataka. These effigies, crafted with disturbing detail, were displayed in a manner similar to the punitive traditions of radical groups like the Taliban. This stark visual serves as a grim reminder of how deeply seated some political animosities are, and how they can manifest in symbolic yet horrifying displays.

In another disturbing demonstration in 2021, during the centenary of the Malabar massacre, the PFI held a rally in Kerala's Tenhipalam town. Here, they showcased a symbolic massacre of Hindus by parading individuals dressed in RSS uniforms, bound and chained. This not only invoked historical grievances but also symbolized an alarming level of animosity and division.

These symbolic acts of violence, though not legally classified as crimes, carry significant implications. When political groups orchestrate and support such displays, they propagate a dangerous narrative of mob justice and brutality. This acceptance by some parts of the masses can be perilous, hinting at a normalization of such extreme acts.

Political groups, by endorsing these symbolic acts of violence, subtly signal to their members and supporters that such displays of aggression could eventually be acceptable or even celebrated. This indirect approval can foster an environment where the line between symbolic and actual violence becomes blurred, threatening the fabric of societal order and democracy.

The trend of employing symbolic violence in political expression is deeply concerning. It reflects not only the intense polarization in politics but also poses significant challenges to maintaining civil discourse and safety within communities.