Annamalai leaving BJP? planning to launch new party, announcement on June 3

CHENNAI: Reports claim that former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai is planning to leave the party and launch a new political outfit. According to a report by News18, citing people close to Annamalai, an announcement regarding the new party could be made by June 3.

Speculation about Annamalai's future in the BJP has been growing since he stepped down as the Tamil Nadu BJP chief. Reports had earlier suggested that he had become increasingly distant from the party leadership. He was also not given a seat in the recent Assembly elections.

Annamalai was replaced as the Tamil Nadu BJP president by Nainar Nagendran. However, the BJP managed to win only one seat in the state elections and delivered a disappointing performance. Following the results, rumours emerged that Annamalai might leave the party.

The speculation gained further momentum after Annamalai publicly criticised the three-language formula proposed for CBSE Class 9 students. He argued that the policy could place unnecessary mental pressure on both students and parents. Reports also claimed that Annamalai was unhappy with the BJP's decision to revive its alliance with the AIADMK ahead of the elections. However, he later accepted the party's stand and campaigned extensively for the NDA.

Annamalai has been raising severe criticism against the ruling TVK government in Tamil Nadu. Meanwhile, there have also been reports that the BJP's national leadership could consider him for a higher role within the party.

A former IPS officer, Annamalai served as the Tamil Nadu BJP president from 2021 to 2025. However, his controversial remarks about former Tamil Nadu leaders C. N. Annadurai and J. Jayalalithaa had strained the BJP's relationship with the AIADMK. The fallout contributed to the breakdown of the alliance, which resulted in a major setback for both parties in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.