New Delhi: The Tamil Nadu BJP’s former chief, K Annamalai, will launch a “new movement” in the state, sources said. He aims to enroll like-minded people and build a strong volunteer base. There is also buzz that he could launch “Makkal Sakthi Iyakkam” (People’s Power Movement), sources added.
His move follows his differences with the Centre over the three-language policy. Annamalai had sought a roll back of the implementation of the CBSE’s three-language policy for students of Class 9. In a post on X, he had remarked that it caused “unnecessary mental stress” to students and parents in Tamil Nadu.
Annamalai had headed the BJP from 2021 to 2025.
A former IPS officer who entered politics in 2020, Annamalai had replaced L Murugan as state BJP chief in 2021.
While Annamalai – seen as a clean and assertive face – was credited with re-energising the BJP to an extent. His aggressive style and media presence made him a voice the central leaders lent an ear to.
But eventually, he had over-reached, his controversial comments on CN Annadurai and J Jayalalithaa had alienated ally AIADMK. It led to a breakdown in the alliance, with the two parties contesting separately and facing huge setbacks while the DMK-led alliance swept the polls.
When the alliance was renewed, sources said AIADMK chief E Palaniswami had a precondition -a change in the leadership of the BJP’s state unit. Following this, Annamalai was replaced by Nainar Nagendran as state president.
Read More: India: El Niño Likely to Impact Monsoon Until September, Says IMD Chief
