Annamalai Likely to Quit as Tamil Nadu BJP President Amid Alliance Talks

Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai is reportedly planning to step down from his post, as the party leadership in Delhi is considering reviving its alliance with the AIADMK ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
Speaking to reporters today, Annamalai said he was not in the race for the state leadership, adding that the party would select the next leader unanimously.

According to reports, Annamalai has conveyed to the BJP high command that he is not keen on continuing as the state president if the alliance with AIADMK is renewed.

During a recent visit to New Delhi, senior BJP leaders reportedly held discussions with Annamalai regarding the party’s strategy in the state. The central leadership is learnt to have prioritised the AIADMK-BJP alliance as a key electoral move. Annamalai, however, is reportedly not in favour of the partnership, as it goes against his vision of building the party independently in Tamil Nadu.

Amid these developments, Annamalai has reportedly told party leaders that he is willing to step aside and continue as a regular party worker if needed. He is not expected to contest the state leadership position again.

The BJP is said to be considering other names for the state president’s post. Nainar Nagendran, an MLA from Tirunelveli and a senior leader from the Thevar community, is one of the frontrunners to take over from Annamalai.

Though Annamalai’s tenure as BJP chief improved the party’s visibility in Tamil Nadu, his firm stance against aligning with the AIADMK led to internal disagreements. The final decision on the leadership change is expected soon.- TWL Bureau