After Annamalai's exit, Tamil Nadu BJP vice president Karu Nagarajan, 15 others resign from party
CHENNAI: The fallout from Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai’s resignation continues to widen, with state vice president Karu Nagarajan, state secretary Sumathi Venkatesh, and at least 14 other party officials tendering their resignations, signalling a deepening crisis within the state unit.The resignations came hours after Annamalai formally quit the BJP’s primary membership and announced the launch of a new political movement, declaring that his vision for Tamil Nadu no longer aligned with that of the party leadership.Annamalai, who emerged as one of the BJP’s most recognisable faces in Tamil Nadu during his tenure as state president, said he had informed the party leadership of his intention to resign as early as December 2025. According to him, the BJP leadership had requested that he remain in the party until the completion of the Assembly election campaign.Announcing his departure, Annamalai said his political goals were “bigger” and required a fresh, inclusive platform that would bring together people from all sections of society. He also revealed plans to launch a new political party and contest future elections in the state.“I have great respect for Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Annamalai said in a social media address, stressing that he had left the BJP on amicable terms despite differences over the party’s approach towards Tamil Nadu.The former IPS officer said the new movement would focus on ending “cult politics” and dynastic politics while encouraging technocrats, professionals and ordinary citizens to participate in governance.While Annamalai’s supporters celebrated his decision by bursting crackers and distributing sweets, Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran dismissed concerns over the resignation, insisting that the BJP remained an ideology-driven organisation and would not suffer any setback.“There will be no impact on the BJP due to Annamalai’s resignation. Anyone is free to start a political party in a democracy,” Nagendran said.Annamalai’s departure comes months after he was replaced as Tamil Nadu BJP chief following the revival of the BJP-AIADMK alliance ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. His relationship with sections of the AIADMK leadership had remained strained over controversial remarks and ideological differences.The exit of Karu Nagarajan and several other office-bearers is likely to fuel speculation that more leaders and cadres could rally behind Annamalai’s proposed political outfit in the coming weeks.
