Chennai: Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai is reportedly considering a departure from the Bharatiya Janata Party and may launch his own political movement in the state, according to sources familiar with the development.
The former IPS officer is said to have met BJP national president Nitin Nabin and senior party leader B.L. Santosh, where he conveyed his desire to part ways with the party on amicable terms and pursue an independent political path in Tamil Nadu.
Sources indicate that Annamalai believes the BJP has limited growth prospects in the state following its disappointing performance in the recent Assembly elections, where the party managed to secure only one seat in the 234-member House.
His reported decision comes despite strong backing from the BJP leadership in the past. In April 2025, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had publicly praised Annamalai’s role in expanding the party’s presence in Tamil Nadu, describing his contribution as “unprecedented” and suggesting that the BJP would utilize his organisational abilities at the national level.
However, sources say Annamalai is not interested in a central role and prefers to remain active in Tamil Nadu politics. He reportedly believes there is political space for a new grassroots movement, particularly if public dissatisfaction with the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government grows in the coming years.
According to reports, Annamalai is exploring the possibility of launching a people-centric movement that could later evolve into a political party. There is also speculation that actor Rajinikanth could lend support to such an initiative, though no official confirmation has emerged.
Annamalai had emerged as one of the BJP’s most prominent faces in Tamil Nadu, gaining attention through his statewide padyatra and aggressive campaigning style. His removal as state BJP chief in 2025, following the BJP’s renewed alliance with the AIADMK, is believed to have contributed to his growing dissatisfaction.
While BJP leaders are reportedly trying to persuade him to stay, no official statement has been issued by either Annamalai or the party regarding his future.
