Speaking in Chennai, Thirupathy explained that the BJP follows a structured and collective decision-making method through its Central Election Committee (CEC), stating: “There is a system in our party whereby the Central Election Committee makes the decisions. So, it is not a delay – it is the process. When state parties act, they have one leadership, whereas we have collective leadership. The Central Election Committee will decide the candidates by this evening or tomorrow. There is no confusion. The state will recommend a few names, and the Central Election Committee will make the final selection.”

Responding to Stalin’s remarks that framed the election as a contest between Tamil Nadu and Delhi, the BJP spokesperson dismissed the claim and said such comments are intended to obscure issues faced by the state in the past five years. Thirupathy said: “He wants to hide a lot of things that have happened in the state for the last five years… the deterioration of law and order, crimes against women, particularly crimes against girl children.”

He also accused the ruling party of repeatedly raising language concerns and promoting a “false narrative” about state rights to distract the public, adding: “They always talk about the language issue and also the false narrative being set in the form of state rights.”

Thirupathy emphasised that elections in any state are integral to India’s democratic framework and should not be portrayed differently. He stated: “Whether it is Delhi or Tamil Nadu, both are in India… so it is an election which is being conducted in India for a state. Mr Stalin should understand that.”

Tamil Nadu is scheduled to hold elections in a single phase on April 23, with counting on May 4. The last date for filing nominations is April 6, scrutiny will take place on April 7, and the final date for withdrawal of candidatures is April 9.