Chennai: Reports say Annamalai, founder of the organisation “We The Leaders”, is holding consultations with his supporters on whether to contest the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly by-election from Perundurai.
After the Assembly election, Annamalai quit the BJP and launched We The Leaders, which he claims has attracted over 1.8 million members. Sources say he is also exploring the next step of forming a separate political party with the aim of emerging as a stronger political force.
By-elections are expected soon in six constituencies: Tiruchirappalli East, Perundurai, Dharapuram, Viralimalai, Ambasamudram and Madurantakam. In Tiruchirappalli East, DMK members are reportedly urging party leader M K Stalin to contest, while in Ambasamudram, Naam Tamilar Katchi chief coordinator Seeman is expected to enter the race.
Against this backdrop, Annamalai’s supporters are said to be pressing him to test his strength in the Kongu region by contesting Perundurai. A supporter said Annamalai is assessing multiple factors, including the possibility of securing at least 50,000 votes and whether the bypoll could see the use of money and administrative influence as in earlier contests, before taking a decision soon.
