With no other contenders filing nominations, Nagendran is expected to be elected unopposed. The official announcement is likely to come on Saturday at a ceremony scheduled at Srivari Marriage Hall in Vanagaram, Chennai.
Published Apr 11, 2025 | 4:37 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 11, 2025 | 5:02 PM
Nainar Nagendran
Synopsis: Nainar Nagendran is set to become the new BJP president in Tamil Nadu, with an official announcement expected on Saturday. He was the only candidate when nominations closed on 11 April. His selection is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the party’s base in southern Tamil Nadu and support ongoing alliance talks with the AIADMK.
The nomination process for the post of Tamil Nadu BJP president concluded on Friday, 11 April, with only one candidate in the fray – Nainar Nagendran, the incumbent Legislature Party Leader and State Vice President.
With no other contenders filing nominations, Nagendran is expected to be elected unopposed. The official announcement is likely to come on Saturday at a ceremony scheduled at Srivari Marriage Hall in Vanagaram, Chennai.
Nagendran filed his nomination at the BJP State Headquarters in Chennai between 2pm and 4pm. Senior party leaders, including Annamalai, MLA for Coimbatore South Vanathi Srinivasan, Former Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan, and former MLA H Raja, were present.
Speaking to reporters after filing his nomination, Nagendran said he had done so “based on guidance from the national leadership.”
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Home Amit Shah more or less confirmed Nagendran’s appointment in a post on X.
“The Tamil Nadu BJP has received a nomination for the post of state president only from Shri Nainar Nagendran,” he wrote.
The Tamil Nadu BJP has received a nomination for the post of state president only from Shri @NainarBJP Ji.
As the President of the Tamil Nadu BJP unit, Shri @annamalai_k Ji has made commendable accomplishments. Whether it is carrying the policies of PM Shri @narendramodi Ji to…
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 11, 2025
Shah also thanked outgoing State President K Annamalai for his “commendable accomplishments”.
“Whether it is carrying the policies of PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji to people or the programs of the party from village to village, Annamalai Ji’s contribution has been unprecedented,” he wrote.
“The BJP will leverage Annamalai Ji’s organizational skills in the party’s national framework.”
Nagendran’s nomination follows weeks of speculation over the BJP’s next state president, even as the party remains engaged in alliance talks with the AIADMK.
Nagendran with outgoing State President K Annamalai
Last month, AIADMK supremo and former Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi, fuelling talk of political realignments in Tamil Nadu.
Shortly after, Annamalai travelled to the capital for discussions with the BJP’s central leadership, including a meeting with Shah. Reports indicate that one of the key sticking points in alliance negotiations was the demand from AIADMK for Annamalai’s removal as state president.
Annamalai later announced he would not seek another term, clearing the path for new contenders. Among the names considered were Nagendran, Vanathi Srinivasan, and Karuppu Muruganandam.
According to a senior figure in the BJP’s social media team, Nagendran emerged as the central leadership’s preferred choice. His working relationship with AIADMK leaders is seen as a valuable asset in the lead-up to the 2026 assembly elections.
While the BJP holds some influence in western Tamil Nadu, party insiders say Nagendran’s appointment is intended to help the party improve its presence in the state’s southern districts, where the party seeks to secure more legislative assembly seats.
Nagendran receives Union Home Minister Amit Shah
Adding to the political buzz, Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Chennai on Thursday night. On Friday morning, he visited the residence of late Congress leader Kumari Ananthan to pay his respects.
Later, Shah held a private meeting with Tughlak editor Auditor Gurumurthy, which lasted over an hour. Sources suggest the discussion focused on political alliances and long-term strategy.
Meanwhile, speculation is mounting over Annamalai’s future within the party. Reports suggest he may be elevated to a national role, potentially as Tamil Nadu in-charge or with wider responsibilities across South India. Shah also hinted at the possibility in his post on X.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
