Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai
Chennai, Jun 6: The fallout from the resignation of former Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai widened on Friday, with state vice-president Karu Nagarajan, state secretary Sumathi Venkatesh and at least 14 other party functionaries stepping down from their posts, signalling growing unrest within the state unit.
The resignations came hours after Annamalai formally resigned from the BJP's primary membership and announced plans to launch a new political movement, stating that his vision for Tamil Nadu no longer aligned with that of the party leadership.
Annamalai, one of the BJP's most prominent faces in the state during his tenure as president, said he had informed the party leadership of his intention to resign as early as December 2025. According to him, the leadership requested that he remain in the party until the completion of the Assembly election campaign.
Announcing his departure, the former IPS officer said his political ambitions required a fresh and inclusive platform capable of bringing together people from all sections of society. He also disclosed plans to float a new political party and contest future elections in Tamil Nadu.
"I have great respect for Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Annamalai said in a social media address, emphasising that he had parted ways with the BJP on amicable terms despite disagreements over the party's approach towards Tamil Nadu.
He said his proposed movement would focus on ending personality cults and dynastic politics while encouraging professionals, technocrats and ordinary citizens to participate in governance.
While Annamalai's supporters celebrated the announcement by bursting crackers and distributing sweets, Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran dismissed concerns over the developments, insisting that the BJP remained an ideology-driven organisation.
"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 exit comes months after he was replaced as state BJP chief following the revival of the BJP-AIADMK alliance ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. His relationship with sections of the AIADMK leadership had remained strained over controversial remarks and ideological differences.
The resignation of Karu Nagarajan and several other office-bearers has fuelled speculation that more BJP leaders and cadres could join Annamalai's proposed political outfit in the coming weeks, potentially reshaping the political landscape ahead of future elections in the state.