Chennai (Tamil Nadu), June 4: The tallest BJP face in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, K Annamalai, is expected to start his 42nd year by announcing his independent political outfit.
On Thursday (June 4), Annamalai is celebrating his 42nd birthday.
News platform The Hindu reported, citing sources on Tuesday, that Annamalai has submitted his resignation after meeting BJP top leaders.
On June 2, Annamalai met Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President Nitin Nabin, and BL Santhosh, the national general secretary of the party.
According to the media reports, Annamalai is expected to launch his regional secular political party with a national outlook.
According to a report by Manorama Online, it is being reported that his decision to form his own party is due to his disagreement with the BJP-AIADMK alliance and the party’s efforts to project an image of not being opposed to the Dravidian political tradition.
The platform further reported that his fan group 'Annamalai Anbu Kootam' has started its activities by appointing new office-bearers.
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While BJP sources said that Annamalai’s meetings with the top leadership were held in a cordial atmosphere but in Tamil Nadu, the supporters are saying that it is high time he should lead the youth under a new outfit.
Interestingly, there is no photo of Annamalai in the BJP office in Chennai.
Political observers say Annamalai’s popularity has been a major factor behind BJP’s growth in Tamil Nadu.
The party’s vote share reportedly increased significantly in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where BJP contested independently without an alliance.
Despite failing to win a Lok Sabha seat, Annamalai’s aggressive campaigning and outreach helped expand the party’s presence, especially among youth and women voters, according to party insiders.
The BJP leadership is now believed to be exploring options to retain Annamalai’s influence in the state while maintaining organisational balance. Any decision on his next role is expected after further discussions with senior leaders.
How it started
The popular BJP leader in the state and former IPS officer Annamalai has been in a political dilemma ever since the BJP removed him and appointed Nainar Nagendran as the Tamil Nadu unit president. The BJP, ahead of the recent state elections, revived its alliance with the AIADMK ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
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Political observers say Annamalai’s popularity has been a major factor behind BJP’s growth in Tamil Nadu. The party’s vote share reportedly increased significantly in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where BJP contested independently without an alliance.
Ends.
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