Former BJP TN state chief Annamalai steps down as election-in-charge; clarifies reason

CHENNAI: Former IPS officer Annamalai, the face of the BJP in Tamil Nadu, stepped down from the party's election responsibilities in six constituencies. The former state president has stepped down, citing personal reasons.

“My father is unwel,l and I have to take care of him. That is my first duty. I have informed the leadership about this. Even if I step down, I will work in the election campaign,” Annamalai told the media.

However, the rumour is that the former state chief resigned in protest over the constant neglect he received from party leadership. Annamalai distanced himself from the party after the BJP failed to make any gains in Tamil Nadu in the last Lok Sabha elections. Annamalai himself suffered a huge defeat in the elections while contesting from Coimbatore.

AIADMK left the NDA in 2023 due to differences with Annamalai. Annamalai was removed from the post of president as part of the compromise talks to bring AIADMK back. Later, BJP elected Nainar Nagendran MLA, who is also the current legislative party leader, as the president. Amit Shah had earlier stated that Annamalai’s service was needed in national politics rather than regional.

However, Annamalai was not considered for important posts. Annamalai was given the responsibility of Madurai South, Singanallur, Virugambakkam, Karaikudi, Srivaikundam and Padmanabhapuram.

Despite his huge defeat in the elections and constant neglect from leadership, Annamalai’s popularity remains massive, and the former IPS is a crowd puller and the most popular face of BJP in Tamil Nadu politics.