Annamalai quits BJP, likely to float own party: Reports

Former Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai has reportedly quit the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), bringing an end to one of the party's most high-profile political experiment in Tamil Nadu and setting the stage for his next political venture.

The former IPS officer formally conveyed his decision to the BJP leadership after meeting party president Nitin Nabin and organisation secretary BL Santhosh in New Delhi, on Tuesday (June 2), media reports said. He also met Union Home Minister Amit Shah later.

However, the news is not confirmed yet, with some reports saying the BJP top leadership may try to make amends and retain him in the party.

Amicable exit

Annamalai sought an amicable separation, said some reports. Despite efforts by the BJP leadership to persuade him to stay, Annamalai is learnt to have rejected the offers, including a reported Rajya Sabha seat.

Also read: Is BJP's Annamalai launching a new party? Cryptic posters suggest so

He is now expected to launch a people-centric movement that could later evolve into a political party. Reports indicate that the proposed platform will focus on building a broad volunteer network and attracting professionals, youth and like-minded individuals, with reports suggesting it may eventually take shape as a regional political outfit with a nationalist orientation.

His alleged departure follows months of speculation over growing differences between Annamalai's vision for the BJP in Tamil Nadu and the strategy pursued by the party's central leadership.

Annamalai in BJP

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.

Also read: Why Annamalai stayed away when Modi landed in Coimbatore | Seat-sharing snub

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.

Rift with AIADMK

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

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.

Also read: Real story behind Annamalai’s withdrawal from TN poll duties | Talking Sense With Srini

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.

New party?

It is speculated Annamalai now intends to launch a volunteer-driven nationalist movement, likely under the banner of "Makkal Sakthi Iyakkam" (People's Power Movement), which could later evolve into a full-fledged political party.

The proposed outfit is expected to focus on grassroots mobilisation and attracting professionals, youth and civil society volunteers.