Exit signals from Annamalai? BJP leadership tries to hold the line
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has moved swiftly to dismiss speculation of a split in its Tamil Nadu unit after the party's disappointing performance in the state elections and the growing political clout of actor-turned-politician Vijay.
Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran on Wednesday rejected reports that former state chief K Annamalai is preparing to launch a separate political outfit, insisting that there is no rift within the party and that Annamalai remains a BJP leader.
BJP rejects split speculation
Addressing reports of internal discord, Nagendran said claims that Annamalai had resigned from the BJP or was working on a new political venture were baseless.
He sought to project unity within the state unit and dismissed suggestions that the former Tamil Nadu BJP chief was distancing himself from the party.
Delhi visit sparks questions
The speculation intensified after Annamalai's recent visit to Delhi, where he met senior BJP leaders.
Explaining the visit, Nagendran said the former state president had travelled to the national capital primarily to discuss fertiliser-related issues with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
He acknowledged that Annamalai had also met BJP general secretaries during the trip.
The explanation, however, has done little to quell rumours about his political future.
Annamalai camp hints at new political course
Contrary to the BJP's public stance, media reports said Annamalai is preparing to chart an independent political path and could unveil his plans as early as Thursday.
According to reports, the former IPS officer is working on a people's movement aimed at identifying, training and nurturing young leaders across Tamil Nadu. The initiative could eventually evolve into a political party, they said.
Reasons behind discontent
Annamalai is said to have been unhappy after being replaced as the state president and opposed the party's decision to revive its alliance with the AIADMK. He had advocated an independent growth strategy for the BJP in Tamil Nadu.
He reportedly believed that sections within both the BJP and the AIADMK resisted his statewide padayatra, which significantly raised his political profile and visibility across the state.
NDTV's sources also point to the absence of a major organisational role, his decision not to contest the 2026 Assembly elections, and the failure of expectations regarding a national-level position.
They further claim that Annamalai declined a Rajya Sabha berth offered by the party.
BJP insists Annamalai remains a key leader
The BJP leadership has sought to counter the narrative that Mr Annamalai has been sidelined.
Nagendran said the former state chief played an active role in the election campaign, travelling extensively across Tamil Nadu and addressing rallies throughout the state.
Annamalai, who took charge as Tamil Nadu BJP president in 2021, emerged as one of the party's most recognisable faces in the state during his tenure.
However, sources told NDTV earlier this week that he had informed the party leadership of his desire for a cordial separation.
While senior BJP leaders are understood to be trying to persuade him to stay, sources claim Mr Annamalai has largely made up his mind about his future political course.
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