Annamalai said the NDA’s goal for 2026 is to give the people of Tamil Nadu a government that has vision, that prioritises law and order, and that offers good governance.
Published Sep 05, 2025 | 2:06 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 05, 2025 | 2:06 PM
K Annamalai.
Synopsis: K Annamalai said he was expecting O Pannerselvam and TTV Dhinakaran to return to the NDA fold before the election, saying both men were seasoned politicians without any selfish motives.
Tamil Nadu’s former BJP president K Annamalai has requested O Pannerselvam and TTV Dhinakaran to reconsider their decision to part ways with the NDA.
“I spoke to both O Panneerselvam and TTV Dhinakaran over the phone. I requested them to reconsider their decisions,” Annamalai told reporters on Thursday, 4 September.
Terming Dhinakaran an important leader, Annamalai said he was a key figure in the NDA in 2024.
“He has witnessed the long journey of Tamil Nadu politics. He has seen great heights and also faced many challenges. I appealed to him to reconsider his decision. I am confident that he will think about it,” the BJP leader said.
Annamalai said the NDA’s goal for 2026 is to give the people of Tamil Nadu a government that has vision, that prioritises law and order, and that offers good governance. “For that reason, I have asked Dhinakaran anna to review his decision.”
Urging not to create unnecessary confusion, Annamalai recalled that Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s words that AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami would be the chief ministerial candidate of NDA.
“Amit Shah is giving a lot of time to Tamil Nadu. He is also personally meeting senior BJP leaders at his residence. He is firm that change must come in Tamil Nadu in 2026, and that the NDA should form the government here,” the IPS officer-turned-politician said.
“I strongly believe that there will be a change in Tamil Nadu,” he added.
Annamalai further stated that Dhinakaran had joined the NDA in 2024 without seeking even a single seat. OPS (Pannerselvam) is not an ordinary politician. How many people in India’s political history have contested as independent candidates without a party symbol? To my knowledge, no one,” he said.
“Out of his affection for Prime Minister Modi, OPS contested as an independent in Ramanathapuram. Both OPS and Dhinakaran are large-hearted and good people — surely they will reconsider,” Annamalai reiterated.
The BJP leader refused to comment on some of Dhinakaran’s statements. “On GK Moopanar’s memorial day, GK Vasan spoke to Dhinakaran over the phone. So there is no issue. The confusion around invitations was also clarified. The NDA is only becoming stronger. Opposition Leader Edappadi Palaniswami is touring, everyone is working, and the BJP is strengthening its booth-level presence,” he said.
Annamalai said minor issues, if any, will be resolved. “We have farsighted and mature leaders here. The DMK-led alliance must be removed from Tamil Nadu, and the people should be given good governance. That is the focus,” he asserted.
He pointed out that NDA now has leaders who had once belonged to different — even rival — alliances. A single goal, to send the DMK alliance packing, has united them.
On his skipping the core meeting with Shah in Delhi on Wednesday, 3 September, Annamalai dismissed reports that he was dissatisfied.
“Do I look dissatisfied? The reality is, I am busy — party cadres invite me, saying, ‘When you were the state president, you couldn’t come, now you’re one among us, please join us.’ Out of respect, I attend (private functions). I also informed the party leaders. I even spoke to Amit Shah over the phone. This is not a big issue. Leaders need to be in the field; that’s how the party grows,” he said.
Annamalai said actor Vijay will have an impact on the 2026 Assembly elections, but will have no bearing on the government formation.
“Tamil Nadu has always been a place where new leaders are given opportunities. Roughly, 10% of the electorate always votes for change. But having an impact and forming a government are two different things. NDA will form the government in 2026. It is my firm belief,” he said.
“Sasikala is also an important leader in Tamil Nadu politics. She has her own impact. This is not the right time for me to comment. Let’s wait,” he said.
Annamalai requested S Muthusamy, who joined the DMK after he was expelled from the AIADMK, against poaching people. “At his age, he should focus on serving people as a minister until 2026, rather than wasting time on such activities. I respect his seniority, but he should think about doing good for people instead of recruiting others,” the BJP leader said.
Regarding Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s comments about some rumblings inside the BJP, Annamalai said differences of opinion are natural in politics. Some leaders may have different perspectives. “That is their right. If I keep responding to criticism, I will waste my time. I am someone who believes in moving forward and focusing on change. So I don’t wish to respond to this further,” he said.
“As a leader, I have always stood for change. Sometimes in politics you must shift gears — you can’t always drive in fifth gear, sometimes you have to reverse or use third gear. Different parties will have different viewpoints. I believe mature leaders will reconsider and set things right. Let’s wait and watch,” Annamalai added.
