Several senior functionaries in the Tamil Nadu BJP have begun positioning themselves for the state president’s post amid speculation that incumbent Nainar Nagendran could be replaced following the party’s Assembly election setback.
Party sources say there is talk of Nagendran being moved out and possibly being considered for a Union ministerial role. Reports have also circulated that the BJP may appoint a new state president and an organisation secretary.
A number of leaders are said to have expressed interest in the top state post, including Ram Srinivasan, Arjun Moorthy, A.P. Muruganandam and Vinoj Selvam. However, the national leadership is believed to be cautious about an immediate change, fearing that disgruntled leaders could drift toward former state president Annamalai, who has launched a new movement called “Idhu Namma Iyakkam” after leaving the BJP.
Nagendran, meanwhile, has held consultations on appointing new office-bearers in the state unit and has convened a meeting of district presidents in Tiruchirappalli on Sunday. Senior leaders said the meeting would discuss reshuffles of state and district functionaries and steps to prevent further movement of party office-bearers toward Annamalai, as internal competition for posts intensifies.
