Speculation Grows Over Annamalai’s Exit as Tamil Nadu BJP Chief

Speculations are rife in political circles that the Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai might be replaced, even as reports suggest that the BJP plans to revive its alliance with the AIADMK ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

According to reports, the BJP leadership is considering a change in state leadership to woo back the AIADMK into its fold. The AIADMK had walked out of the NDA in 2023.

Annamalai’s aggressive style of politics and his strong remarks against AIADMK leaders in the past had created tensions between the two parties.

Though Annamalai is credited with increasing the BJP’s visibility in Tamil Nadu since he took over in 2021, his style of functioning has not always been well-received by alliance partners.


While the buzz about an impending AIADMK-BJP alliance is gaining momentum, the focus has shifted to caste equations. Both Annamalai and AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami belong to the Gounder community, and the BJP is reportedly keen on replacing Annamalai with a leader from a community that has large presence in the southern districts.

Among the names doing the rounds as a likely replacement is Nainar Nagendran, the BJP’s MLA from Tirunelveli. A former AIADMK leader, Nagendran belongs to the Thevar community and is seen as someone who could strengthen the BJP’s hold in southern Tamil Nadu.

Annamalai recently met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi, and it was reported the leadership

issue was discussed in the meeting. The meeting took place shortly after Shah met AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami, further fuelling speculation of a thaw in ties between the two parties.

While there is no official word yet, it is widely believed that Annamalai was informed about the party’s plans and assured a significant role going forward. He has said he remains committed to the party and will continue to serve in whatever role is assigned to him. – TWL Bureau