what-s-next-for-ex-tamil-nadu-bjp-chief-annamalai

With Nainar Nagendran taking over as the BJP's Tamil Nadu chief and the party's alliance with the AIADMK becoming official, K Annamalai has stepped down. His resignation is seen as a move to “facilitate” the tie-up. Now, he is likely to take on a larger role at the national level.

 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah hinted at this shift. Speaking in Chennai on Friday, he praised Annamalai for his “unprecedented contributions.” Shah said the BJP would use Annamalai’s “organisational skills” in the party’s national framework.

 

A senior BJP leader confirmed that discussions are underway. Annamalai could be appointed as a national vice-president or general secretary. “He might also join the government later,” the leader said, asking not to be named.

 

However, there are no immediate plans for a Cabinet reshuffle. “Right now, we already have a junior minister, L Murugan, from the region,” the leader said. Any future role in government will depend on timing and party needs.

 

Also read: Nainar Nagenthran elected as Tamil Nadu BJP chief

 

Annamalai, a former IPS officer, is credited with expanding the BJP’s reach in Tamil Nadu. Under his leadership, the party’s vote share rose from just over 3% in 2019 to more than 11 per cent in the recent polls. This was significant in a state where the BJP has traditionally struggled.

 

Despite his success, Annamalai opposed an alliance with the AIADMK. He strongly believed the BJP should contest alone. But senior leaders felt that going solo would not help the party in the long run. “It would take another 10 to 15 years to build strength without an alliance,” a party leader explained.

Another BJP leader said Annamalai will continue to be active in the South. He will play a key role in elections in Kerala and will be one of the BJP’s main campaigners across southern states. “He will be crucial to our southern strategy,” the leader said.

 

However, some feel his chances in Tamil Nadu are limited. Both Annamalai and AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami belong to the Gounder community, which could lead to power struggles.