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K Annamalai, who was replaced as Tamil Nadu BJP chief last year, may quit the party to launch a new people’s movement, fueling political speculation.
File photo of BJP’s K Annamalai addressing the party’s social media volunteers’ meet in New Delhi. (PTI Photo)
Former Tamil Nadu BJP chief K continuesonce projected as the party’s most prominent face in the state, now finds himself at the centre of intense speculation over a possible exit from the BJP and the launch of a new political platform.
Annamalai’s rise has been anything but conventional. A mechanical engineering graduate from PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, and a management alumnus of IIM Lucknow, he cleared the UPSC examination and joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 2011. During his Karnataka cadre tenure, he served in Udupi, Chikmagalur and Bengaluru, earning a reputation as a tough and popular officer, often referred to as the “Singham of Karnataka”.
Youngest Tamil Nadu BJP Chief
In 2019, he resigned from the IPS and returned to his native Tamil Nadu, initially focusing on organic farming. A year later, he joined the BJP and quickly emerged as one of its fastest-rising leaders. Within 10 months, he was appointed state BJP president, becoming the youngest person to hold the post in Tamil Nadu.
Annamalai’s Electoral Setbacks
As party chief, Annamalai spearheaded aggressive statewide campaigns and became the BJP’s most recognisable face in a state traditionally dominated by Dravidian parties. He contested the 2021 Assembly election from Aravakurichi and later the 2024 Lok Sabha election from Coimbatore, but lost both contests.
His tenure was also marked by tensions with ally AIADMK, contributing to a breakdown in relations between the two parties. In 2025, he was replaced as state BJP chief as the party sought to rebuild alliances ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
Exit Buzz, New Party Speculation
Now, with sources indicating that he may leave the BJP and launch a people’s movement that could later evolve into a political party, attention is firmly on his next move. Fueling speculation, Annamalai recently told reporters: “Please wait. We will sit down and talk in two days.”
About the Author
Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com’s general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manish…Read More
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