BJP leaders hinted that an announcement on the Tamil Nadu state president could be expected within a week even as Annamalai has been reiterating that he would work as a common ‘karyakarta’.
Published Apr 01, 2025 | 3:46 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 01, 2025 | 3:46 PM
BJP Tamil Nadu chief Annamalai. (X)
Synopsis: As BJP is seemingly warming up to the AIADMK ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls, questions are being raised about Annamalai’s continuation as Tamil Nadu chief of the saffron party.
Rather than speculating about the possibility of an AIADMK-BJP alliance in Tamil Nadu politics, the bigger debate now revolves around whether K Annamalai will continue as the BJP’s Tamil Nadu state president.
With no official announcements made so far, BJP leaders hinted that an announcement on the Tamil Nadu state president is likely within a week.
On 25 March, a delegation led by AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi.
Despite speculations that the meeting was to revive the party’s ties with the BJP, the delegation claimed that the meeting was purely for the welfare of Tamil Nadu.
However, contradicting this claim, a minister recently stated in a television interview that alliance talks were on between AIADMK and BJP, and an official announcement would be made at the right time.
Political analysts revealed that during the Delhi meeting, AIADMK not only discussed the alliance but also demanded to replace state BJP president Annamalai.
On 26 March, Annamalai travelled to Delhi, where he reportedly met Amit Shah, BJP President JP Nadda, and key leaders like BL Santosh. Annamalai said his visit was primarily to discuss Tamil Nadu politics and assess the strength of other parties in the state.
However, upon his return to Chennai on Sunday, 30 March, Annamalai’s remarks to the media reflected a sense of disappointment. The former IPS officer stated that he was even willing to serve as a grassroots party worker if necessary, indicating that discussions about his leadership position had indeed taken place.
Speaking to reporters, Annamalai asserted, “I do not wish to comment on the alliance.”
“I have prepared a report on Tamil Nadu’s political scenario, including the status of alliance parties like TTV Dhinakaran’s AMMK and O Panneerselvam’s faction, and have submitted it to the party leadership,” he said.
Even when repeatedly asked about the alliance, he reiterated, “I don’t want to say anything about the alliance. Whatever Amit Shah has said on this matter should be considered as the final word. I am not against any party or leader. When I was in Delhi, I mentioned that I was even ready to work as a grassroots-level party worker. Please understand the significance of that statement.”
When journalists reminded him that he had previously been clear about the BJP not aligning with AIADMK, Annamalai responded, “I am not someone who changes my words. The fire that brought me into politics is still burning within me. The party always comes first. Every decision we make is with a long-term vision. BJP’s growth is what truly matters.”
Given the current scenario, political analysts widely speculate that Annamalai might be shifted out of his post as the state president.
When asked, Tamil Nadu BJP Vice President Narayanan Thirupathi stated, “We cannot respond based on media reports. There is no official information regarding this matter. The party leadership may announce the state leadership within a week.”
When specifically questioned about Annamalai’s potential removal, he denied having any such information.
Sources close to Annamalai also dismissed such reports as false, stating there was no such development.
Meanwhile, BJP insiders noted that Annamalai, who usually visited the BJP state headquarters on the first of every month, did not do so this time. They also observed that he seemed visibly downcast over the past few days.
However, the real reason behind his somber demeanor will likely become clear in the coming days once the BJP’s official leadership announcement is made.
It may be noted that the BJP recently made Rajeev Chandrasekhar its Kerala president, replacing K Surendran. The saffron party is yet to replace its Telangana state chief and dissent in the Karnataka unit has raised questions over a change of guard there as well.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
