Annamalai Not Quitting BJP Yet, Holds Talks With Amit Shah

• K Annamalai meets Amit Shah, Nitin Nabin and B.L. Santhosh in Delhi
• Sources say he has not resigned from the BJP
• Former state chief raises concerns over Tamil Nadu poll performance
• BJP leadership assures discussion on issues raised by him

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 3rd June: Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai has not resigned from the Bharatiya Janata Party despite speculation over his future, sources said on Tuesday after the former IPS officer held a series of meetings with the party’s top leadership in New Delhi.

Annamalai met Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP national president Nitin Nabin and the party’s national organisation secretary B.L. Santhosh amid reports of his dissatisfaction with the party’s functioning in Tamil Nadu.

According to sources, Annamalai apprised the BJP leadership of his concerns regarding the party’s performance in the recent Tamil Nadu Assembly elections and the impact of its alliance with the AIADMK on the party’s electoral prospects.

The former state BJP chief had reportedly opposed the alliance with the AIADMK, arguing that the BJP should focus on building its independent political base in Tamil Nadu. The alliance was eventually revived ahead of the Assembly elections, in which the BJP secured only one seat in the 234-member House.

Sources said Annamalai also expressed displeasure over the conduct of certain leaders from both the BJP and its alliance partner.

Party leaders reportedly assured him that the concerns he raised would be discussed with the Tamil Nadu leadership.

In a significant development, Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran has been called to Delhi for consultations regarding the issues raised by Annamalai, sources said.

Party insiders maintained that the question of Annamalai’s resignation did not come up during Tuesday’s meetings.

The BJP leadership is also understood to have conveyed its support for Annamalai’s plans to launch a public outreach campaign in Tamil Nadu.

Speculation over Annamalai’s political future intensified after reports suggested he was considering launching an independent socio-political movement. Sources said the initiative would focus on enrolling volunteers and like-minded individuals from various professional and social backgrounds before potentially evolving into a political platform.

Sources close to Annamalai claimed he sees limited opportunities for growth within the BJP’s current structure in Tamil Nadu.

It has also emerged that Annamalai was reportedly offered a Rajya Sabha seat by the party leadership, an offer he is understood to have declined.

Political observers believe any independent movement launched by Annamalai could eventually contest future Assembly by-elections in Tamil Nadu, providing an early indication of his organisational strength and personal popularity outside the BJP framework.

For now, however, BJP sources insist that Annamalai remains within the party and that discussions with the leadership are ongoing.