Annamalai Launches New Political Movement After BJP Exit
Chennai/New Delhi: Former Tamil Nadu BJP chief K. Annamalai has officially resigned from the Bharatiya Janata Party and announced the launch of a new political movement, marking a significant shift in Tamil Nadu politics.
The BJP’s national leadership, led by Nitin Nabin, formally accepted Annamalai’s resignation from primary membership following his recent visit to New Delhi, where he met senior leaders including Amit Shah and B. L. Santhosh.
Shortly after the confirmation, Annamalai released a video statement declaring the start of a “new politics, new path, and new movement,” citing long-standing ideological differences with the BJP leadership. He revealed that disagreements had persisted for nearly 18 months and emphasised the need for an alternative political approach tailored to Tamil Nadu.
Criticising national parties, he said their language and political approach often fail to resonate with the people of the state. He stressed that his decision was driven by a vision to create a transformative political model rooted in Tamil identity and regional aspirations, adding that he had consistently upheld Tamil Nadu’s rights during his tenure in the BJP.
Annamalai also announced that his new political outfit would contest all upcoming elections in the state, signalling an aggressive entry into the political arena. He revealed that he had previously declined an invitation from actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth to join his political venture in 2020, opting instead for a national platform at the time.
The development comes in the backdrop of shifting political dynamics in Tamil Nadu, where Chief Minister Joseph Vijay and his party have gained significant ground. With Annamalai’s new party entering the fray, political observers anticipate a more competitive, multi-cornered contest in future elections.
