I am not in BJP state leadership race, says Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai

ANI April 4, 2025 208 views

K Annamalai has definitively stated he is not pursuing the Tamil Nadu BJP state leadership position, quashing internal speculation. His remarks come at a critical time when AIADMK leader Edappadi Palaniswami recently met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, hinting at potential political realignments. The political landscape in Tamil Nadu remains fluid, with both parties strategizing for the 2026 assembly elections. The DMK's recent electoral successes have added complexity to the evolving political narrative in the state.

"There is no contest in Tamil Nadu BJP, we will select a leader unanimously" - K Annamalai
Coimbatore, April 4: Tamil Nadu BJP chief BJP K Annamalai on Friday triggered speculations about him stepping down as the chief of Tamil Nadu BJP after he claimed that a "leader will be selected unanimously" and he is "not in the race."

Key Points

1

Annamalai rules out state leadership bid amid political uncertainty

2

AIADMK-BJP alliance talks remain ambiguous

3

Palaniswami meets Amit Shah in strategic meeting

4

Tamil Nadu 2026 elections approach with complex political dynamics

"There is no contest in Tamil Nadu BJP, we will select a leader unanimously. But I am not in the race. I am not in the BJP state leadership race," Annamalai said while speaking to reporters here today.

His remarks today come days after a meeting of AIADMK leader Edappadi Palaniswamy wth Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi along with other party leaders. Assembly elections in the State are slated to be held in Tamil Nadu in 2026.

The meeting gave rise to speculations about the return of the BJP-AIADMK alliance ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections. However, leaders from neither side confirmed the real objective of the meeting.

Edapaddi K Palaniswami had addressed the media on the issue on March 26 and stated that the decision on the alliance will be made once the elections nears.

Palaniswami had said, "On alliance, I have already spoken several times. Is any party firm on alliance? Are parties in DMK alliance firm? We can't tell. This is politics, as per the political situation, changes will happen. How can we tell now itself? When did we form an alliance at the time of 2019 elections? It was February when we made the announcement. Similarly, we will have talks with like-minded parties and make a decision on alliance when elections come near. If you ask now, how can I tell you about it? We will let you know you know our alliance status."

He further said that they gave a memorandum to the Home Minister on current issues in the state.

In the past two elections of the Lok Sabha and previous assembly polls, AIADMK has not been able to put up a strong show and has also faced factionalism. BJP is keen to improve its prospects in Tamil Nadu after a determined effort in the last Lok Sabha polls in which it could not win a seat in the southern state.

AIADMK had got into an alliance with the BJP after the demise of J Jayalalithaa's in 2016.

The DMK won both the 2019 Lok Sabha and the 2021 Assembly elections the DMK also won the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The AIADMK and BJP were in an alliance for the 2021 state elections, during which the BJP won four seats. It however broke off ties with the BJP in the year 2023.

Reader Comments

S
Saranya K
Interesting development! Annamalai has been quite vocal, so this statement is surprising. Wonder if there's more to this story 🤔
R
Rajesh M
Maybe BJP is planning a bigger role for him at national level? He's been getting good visibility lately. Just my guess!
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Priya D
I respect Annamalai for being straightforward, but I wish BJP would focus more on grassroots work in TN rather than leadership changes. The party needs to connect better with local issues.
K
Karthik S
All this alliance talk feels premature when elections are 2 years away. Politicians should focus on governance first! 😅
M
Meena R
Whatever happens, I just hope Tamil Nadu gets good leaders who will work for people's welfare. Party politics shouldn't overshadow development work.
V
Vijay A
Annamalai has been a strong face for BJP in TN. If he's stepping back, the party better have an equally capable replacement ready!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
K Annamalai Tamil Nadu BJP AIADMK Edappadi Palaniswami Indian Politics Election 2026
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