Chennai: The young Annamalai, whose assertive approach to various issues has enhanced the BJP’s profile in Tamil Nadu—though not yet translating into political victories—was informed that “Delhi envisions a promising future for him.”
Regarded as a significant factor in the 2023 split between the AIADMK and BJP, K Annamalai may resign from his position as BJP Tamil Nadu president as discussions regarding an alliance between the parties progress. However, BJP insiders clarify that this potential resignation would not be seen as a form of “punishment,” but rather as a strategic move influenced by caste dynamics.
If the parties decide to collaborate for the 2026 state elections, the BJP aims to avoid having both its and the AIADMK’s representative be from the Gounder community. Similar to Annamalai, AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami also hails from this influential backward community and the same western Kongu region, where Gounders hold significant sway.
According to BJP sources, Annamalai was informed of this perspective during a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi, which took place shortly after Shah’s meeting with Palaniswami—marking the initial formal steps towards a potential reconciliation between the BJP and AIADMK.
Annamalai is reported to have demonstrated unwavering loyalty to the party. “He expressed that he has no doubts about his commitment to the party and is even willing to serve as a regular member,” stated a senior BJP official.
Another leader remarked, “Regardless of whether Annamalai steps down from his position as state president, he continues to be a pivotal figure in the party’s long-term strategy for Tamil Nadu. It remains uncertain if he will assume a national role or take on a different responsibility within the state.”
According to sources, the leading candidate to succeed Annamalai as the Tamil Nadu BJP chief is BJP MLA Nainar Nagendran, a well-regarded leader from Tirunelveli with a background in the AIADMK, and a member of the influential Thevar community. During J Jayalalithaa’s leadership, the Most Backward Class community maintained a strong influence within the AIADMK, largely due to the support of her aide V K Sasikala, who is also a Thevar.
A senior BJP official indicated that Annamalai’s potential departure would represent a recalibration rather than a demotion. “The BJP aims to strengthen its presence beyond western Tamil Nadu. Appointing a Thevar leader like Nagendran could enhance its influence in the southern districts and beyond, where the AIADMK-BJP alliance must challenge the DMK’s dominance,” the leader stated, noting that Shah’s “social engineering strategies” have achieved “remarkable” success.
While addressing the media in Coimbatore on Sunday, Annamalai declined to answer questions regarding the AIADMK-BJP alliance, stating, “Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently addressed this at an event. You may consider that the party’s final stance.”
Instead, he focused on his contribution to providing the BJP high command with “a comprehensive political analysis of Tamil Nadu.” “As both a cadre and a leader, I have conducted a detailed analysis and presented it to the party’s national leaders, along with evidence, regarding the current state of the unit and its future direction,” he explained.
Discussing the electoral landscape of Tamil Nadu, divided into five zones, Annamalai noted that the BJP has experienced considerable growth in the western region (54 seats) and the southern districts (60 seats). To achieve 150 seats, a party must dominate three zones; to reach 180-190 seats, it must excel in four zones.
Annamalai contended that the BJP had established a significant advantage over the AIADMK throughout the southern region, emphasizing that the Dravidian party could not overlook the BJP’s influence in key areas of the Western region as well.
He stated that his primary objective was the BJP’s sustained development within the state. “I have consistently maintained that my entry into politics was not driven by a desire for power; rather, I aimed to bring about a transformation in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape,” Annamalai remarked.
