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The TVK’s response came as Annamalai’s ‘We The Leaders’ movement struck a chord with supporters, with over 10 lakh people registering within 10 hours of its launch.
Tamil Nadu Minister KG Arunraj downplayed K Annamalai’s new political movement. (PTI/X)
Former Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai launched a new political movement after parting ways with the saffron party, which has triggered a buzz in the state. However, the ruling TVK government has dismissed the popularity of his new outfit, calling it “just another re-release.”
Annamalai quit the BJP on Friday to launch his new platform, “We The Leaders” that has struck a chord with his supporters, with over 10 lakh people registering within 10 hours of its launch. His resignation has triggered an exodus of BJP leaders in Tamil Nadu.
Speaking to reporters, TVK’s Health Minister KG Arunraj on Saturday commented, “Annamalai is just a re-release of the BJP. It’s an old film that has been re-released. But people don’t watch every re-release. That’s why he knows what his situation is and how things stand for him. People don’t watch all re-releases.”
Annamalai’s Exit From BJP
On Friday, Annamalai submitted his resignation from the BJP, ending weeks of suspense over his political future. BJP national president Nitin Nabin accepted his resignation from both the party’s primary membership and organisational responsibilities.
In his resignation letter, Annamalai said he had joined the BJP inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and to change Tamil Nadu’s political culture. While expressing gratitude to the party leadership for entrusting him with key responsibilities, he revealed that he had conveyed his disagreements with the top leadership over the past 18 months.
“After my conversations with our senior leadership, I have come to the conclusion that our views don’t align regarding Tamil Nadu,” he wrote.
The former IPS officer joined the BJP in 2020 and rose through the ranks to become the state unit chief at the age of 37. He announced that he would soon launch a new political movement, describing it as the next phase of his public life and political journey.
“A new movement and a new dimension in politics, emerging from our core principles, is about to begin,” he said.
14 Lakh People Join Annamalai’s Movement
The website of Annamalai’s newly launched movement showcased a strong wave of public support. More than 14.43 lakh people had joined the movement as of Saturday evening.
“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our movement. We are empowering communities, nurturing leadership qualities, and bringing about real change at the grassroots level. Whether it’s education, healthcare, the environment, or youth leadership, explore opportunities in the field that inspires you,” the website read.
கடந்த 24 மணி நேரத்தில் 13 லட்சம் உறுப்பினர்கள் இணைந்து, https://t.co/gSstBA1IYJ இயக்கத்திற்கு நீங்கள் அளித்துள்ள பேராதரவு, பெரும் நெகிழ்ச்சியையும், அதைவிட பெரிய பொறுப்பையும் எனக்கு அளித்திருக்கிறது.இந்த இயக்கத்தின் மீது நம்பிக்கை வைத்து இணைந்துள்ள ஒவ்வொருவருக்கும், எனது… pic.twitter.com/nzB5URPZHV
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) June 6, 2026
Annamalai also announced that he will contest the next general elections in 2031 independently. “I will contest the next general elections independently. We are going to view BJP the same way we view DMK, AIADMK, TTV, Vaiko, and Seeman,” he said.
About the Author
Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int…Read More
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