New Delhi: Former Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai announced his departure from the party, describing it as a "very cordial breakup" and saying he was
leaving with the same respect with which he had joined. Annamalai said he now intends to launch a new political movement driven by a fresh mission. Calling himself "a farmer's son," he said the journey ahead would not be easy, but added that challenges had always been a part of his life. "I am standing as a commoner aspiring to bring change," Annamalai said, stressing that his new political venture would focus on serving people and creating a new path for Tamil Nadu's politics. Also Read - Annamalai on 'Vijay Path': Will Going Solo in Tamil Nadu Pay Off? "I would recall the multiple conversations with the top leadership and the disagreements I have expressed over the last 18 months. I do not want to burden the top leadership any further with my ongoing thoughts on the way forward for a growth-oriented and culturally rooted politics in Tamil Nadu. After my conversation with our senior leadership, I have come to the conclusion that our views don't align regarding Tamil Nadu," Annamalai said in his resigntaion letter to BJP chief Nitin Nabin on May 2. In his resignation letter, Annamalai said national parties had failed to connect with people in Tamil Nadu in a language and style they could relate to. He said that after giving it a lot of thought, he had decided to leave the BJP, reflect on why he entered politics in the first place, and explore a new direction for his political journey in the future. Annamalai was believed to have been rather upset since being replaced by Nainar Nagenthran as the Tamil Nadu BJP president and following the revival of the electoral alliance with the AIADMK in preparation for the 2026 Assembly elections in the state. During his meetings with BJP leaders, Annamalai reportedly discussed the party's performance in the recent Tamil Nadu elections. Sources said he explained why the party did not perform as expected and pointed out several organisational and political problems that BJP workers faced at the grassroots level.
