Annamalai Resigns from BJP Highlights: Annamalai says his party will fight next polls, BJP says his exit not a loss

Tamil Nadu BJP general secretary Karuppu Muruganandham on X reacted to the resignation of former state president K Annamalai, acknowledging his contribution to the party's growth while expressing disappointment over his decision to step away.

Muruganandham said there was "no disagreement" that Annamalai had worked tirelessly as state president to strengthen the BJP in Tamil Nadu. However, he added that the personal decisions attributed to him had caused "great disappointment and mental distress" among dedicated party workers.

Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagenthran on Friday declined to comment directly on the resignation of former state chief K Annamalai, asserting that individual departures would not have any impact on its functioning or strength.

"The BJP is an ideology-based party. There will certainly be no impact from this development. Anyone is free to start a political party in a democracy. Annamalai's resignation will not affect the party," he said, responding to questions from reporters.

Former Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai on Friday said his newly launched movement, Annamalai Makkal Iyakkam (AMI), has received an overwhelming response, with more than 3,000 people registering as volunteers. In a post on X, Annamalai expressed gratitude for the support, saying the turnout had exceeded expectations and reflected strong public interest in the initiative.

Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran on Friday downplayed the impact of K Annamalai's resignation from the party, asserting that the former state chief's departure would not weaken the party in the state.

Responding to questions from reporters, Nagendran said Annamalai's exit was "no loss" for the BJP and expressed confidence that the party would continue to strengthen its organisational base and political presence in Tamil Nadu.

Former Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai said he had joined the Bharatiya Janata Party after receiving assurances and a commitment from senior party leader BL Santhosh. "I joined the BJP based on the assurance and commitment given to me by BL Santhosh. I am revealing this now to put an end to the various speculations surrounding my entry into the party," he said.

Former Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai on Friday said his proposed political movement would focus on "common-man politics" and move away from personality-driven and cult political culture.

"We have to come out of one individual driven politics,” Annamalai said, adding, "We need common-man politics". Hinting at his long-term political plans, the former IPS officer also declared, "I will contest the next general elections independently".

Annamalai said the movement would seek to bring people together and remain inclusive. "There is no alternative view on this. Until then, everyone should be brought together and included," he said.

Soon after announcing his resignation from the BJP, former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai said his proposed political movement would seek to eliminate "cult politics" and offer an alternative model of leadership in the state.

Speaking during an interaction with supporters, Annamalai said the new party he plans to launch would contest upcoming elections and work towards creating a new political path in Tamil Nadu.

In his social media address, Annamalai said he had first informed the BJP leadership of his decision to step away from the party on December 4, 2025.

However, he added that he chose to remain in the organisation after being asked to stay on and complete ongoing election-related responsibilities. According to Annamalai, he continued discharging those duties before eventually formalising his exit from the party.

Even after parting ways with the BJP, Annamalai said he continues to hold Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the highest esteem and remains thankful to the party leadership for the trust and opportunities extended to him throughout his political journey.

Elaborating on his decision to resign, the former Tamil Nadu BJP chief said he chose to step aside because he did not want to become a source of difficulty for the party amid differences over its future direction and political strategy in Tamil Nadu.

Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai has resigned from the primary membership of the Bharatiya Janata Party with immediate effect, citing differences with the party leadership over the political direction for Tamil Nadu.

Explaining his departure, Annamalai said his views on Tamil Nadu did not align with those of the BJP leadership. He revealed that he had held multiple discussions with the party's top leadership over the past 18 months in an effort to address the differences.

Soon after resigning from the primary membership of the BJP, K Annamalai on Friday claimed that veteran actor Rajinikanth had requested him to join hands with him, though he indicated that he had chosen to pursue his own political movement instead.

Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai on Thursday announced his resignation from the Bharatiya Janata Party and said he would launch a new political movement, marking a dramatic shift in the state's political landscape.

Addressing supporters after stepping down from the BJP, Annamalai said he would chart an independent political course and fight on his own to create a new path in Tamil Nadu politics.

Tamil Nadu BJP chief Nainar Nagenthran on Thursday said he has not yet been officially informed about the resignation of former state president K Annamalai and therefore could not comment on the matter.

"I haven't yet been notified about Annamalai's resignation, so I can’t comment on it at this time," Nagenthran said, responding to questions from reporters in Chennai.

The BJP has formally accepted the resignation of Tamil Nadu leader K Annamalai, party sources said on Thursday. BJP national leadership, including party chief Nitin Nabin, has reportedly approved the resignation, marking a formal end to the former IPS officer's organisational role within the party.

"The National President of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Nitin Nabin, has accepted the resignation submitted by the Tamil Nadu Ex. State President K Annamalai from the primary membership of the party," an official statement issued by the BJP read.

Amid speculation over former state BJP chief K Annamalai quitting the party, sections of the organisation, including Yuva Morcha members, on Wednesday urged the party high command to issue a clear statement and avoid confusion that could trigger a possible exodus.

The demand came as uncertainty grew within the cadre over his future course of action.

In a show of support, Annamalai's backers also put up posters in Madurai depicting the former state president alongside actors Rajinikanth and Ajith, signalling backing for his political direction outside the BJP.

Tamil Nadu BJP chief Nainar Nagenthran on Thursday said his predecessor K Annamalai has not discussed with anyone the possibility of floating a new political party. He further added that he has not received any resignation letter from the former state president.

"As president of the BJP, I have not received any such letter so far. There is no difference of opinion between us. Annamalai has not spoken to anyone about starting a new party. We have not spoken to him about it, and he has not spoken to us," Nagenthran said while speaking to reporters in Tirunelveli.

Fast-moving political developments in the Tamil Nadu unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party appear to have had a ripple effect on the NDA's Rajya Sabha seat-sharing arrangement in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. Read here.

Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai on Thursday said he will interact with supporters on social media on June 5, where he plans to share his views. He is expected to address his recent visit to the national capital and respond to speculation surrounding his resignation from the party and possible plans to float a new political outfit.