Reports from Chennai say former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai has submitted a letter resigning from the party. He is said to be planning a separate movement, aiming to take a new political path and assess people’s preferences.
Annamalai, from Karur district, earlier served as an IPS officer in Karnataka and joined the BJP in 2020 after resigning from the police service, following an invitation from BJP national general secretary (organisation) B L Santhosh. He contested the 2021 Assembly election from Aravakurichi and lost, but was appointed state BJP president later that year.
During his tenure, he undertook district-wise tours and padayatras to strengthen the party, and released documents alleging corruption involving the DMK leadership and ministers. He also publicly targeted the AIADMK and its former ministers over alleged irregularities.
The report notes that differences over alliance strategy—especially around the 2024 Lok Sabha election—triggered criticism and dissatisfaction within the party. Annamalai was removed as state president in April 2025 and later received only a national executive committee membership, after which he reportedly stayed away from active party work.
It further says that after witnessing shifts in state politics and youth participation, he has decided to chart an independent course similar to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s approach. He reportedly travelled to Delhi, met B L Santhosh and BJP president J P Nadda, submitted his resignation letter, and later met Union minister Amit Shah to discuss his decision.
