After high drama, BJP may have stalled Annamalai's resignation threat

Tamil Nadu BJP leader K Annamalai on Tuesday (June 2) met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi at his residence amid speculation that he may quit the party and float a new political outfit in the state.

According to sources quoted by PTI, Annamalai's meeting with Shah lasted for about 30 minutes. But it was not immediately known what transpired between them at the meeting. He left Shah's residence after the meeting without speaking to media.

The resignation rumours hit a feverish pitch earlier today. It was initially reported that he had quit the BJP and is set to start a new party. However, subsequent reports said the BJP leadership has not accepted the resignation, and he is likely to stay on.

Curious turn of events

The purported resignation is likely to fetch Annamalai a substantial bargaining chip, say political observers. He may either seek a Parliamentary role or a more significant position in Tamil Nadu BJP, it is speculated.

More clarity is expected to emerge in a day or two.

Earlier, Several media reports claimed that Annamalai also met BJP president Nitin Nabin and party national general secretary BL Santhosh, and tendered his resignation from the party, but there was no official confirmation on this. "He has not yet resigned," a source in the party told PTI.

Annamalai is reported to have been sulking in the party since he was replaced with Nainar Nagenthran as Tamil Nadu BJP president and the electoral pact with the AIADMK was revived ahead of the 2026 assembly elections in the state.

He also did not contest the 2026 assembly polls. Though the BJP members from the Coimbatore region expected Annamalai to contest, he later clarified that he had opted out of the race.

'Please wait'

Annamalai came to Delhi on Monday to call on the party leadership amid speculations that he may launch a new political party.

Asked about the speculation that he may launch a new political party, Annamalai, before leaving for Delhi, told reporters at the airport that he would provide answers and make his stand clear in two days.

"Please wait. We will sit down and talk in two days," he told reporters in Chennai before leaving for Delhi, when pressed about the buzz that he was heading to the national capital to meet party chief Nitin Nabin, as he planned to quit the party.

Strong presence

As Tamil Nadu BJP president between 2021 and 2025, Annamalai emerged as the party's most recognisable face in the state. Through aggressive campaigns, anti-corruption drives, statewide tours and a strong social media presence, he significantly expanded the BJP's visibility in a state long dominated by the DMK and AIADMK.

However, his political approach increasingly put him at odds with the BJP's alliance strategy. Annamalai consistently favoured building the BJP as an independent force in Tamil Nadu and was among the strongest critics of both Dravidian parties.

His remarks targeting AIADMK icons CN Annadurai and J Jayalalithaa strained ties with the party's most important potential ally.

Bone of contention

The differences became more pronounced after the BJP leadership decided to revive its alliance with the AIADMK ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. The move was widely viewed as a strategic decision to consolidate opposition votes against the ruling DMK, but it reportedly went against Annamalai's preference for an independent electoral path.

Soon after, he was replaced as Tamil Nadu BJP president by Nainar Nagendran, a leader considered more acceptable to the AIADMK leadership. Annamalai neither contested the 2026 Assembly election nor played a prominent role in the BJP's campaign, fuelling speculation that he was being sidelined within the party.