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Posters supporting Annamalai have surfaced in parts of Tamil Nadu, including Coimbatore and Madurai, without featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi or other BJP leaders.
Annamalai joined the BJP in 2020 and, within 10 months, became the youngest president of the party’s Tamil Nadu unit. (X)
Former Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai turned 42 on Thursday amid growing speculation that he could announce a new political party or movement, potentially charting an independent political course outside the Bharatiya Janata Party.
The buzz comes days after Annamalai met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi on June 2. While no official announcement followed the meeting, reports suggest the BJP leadership asked him to put his resignation plans on hold. News18 had earlier reported that Annamalai had submitted his resignation from the party during a meeting with BJP national president Nitin Nabin.
The former IPS officer has found himself in political limbo since the BJP replaced him with Nainar Nagendran as the Tamil Nadu unit chief and revived its alliance with the AIADMK ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
Fueling speculation further, Annamalai recently told reporters that he would explain his position within two days. “Please wait. We will sit down and talk in two days,” he said before leaving for Delhi.
Also Read | From Blue-Eyed Boy To Lone Crusader: The Rise And Fall Of Annamalai In BJP
Annamalai’s BJP Journey
Annamalai joined the BJP in 2020 and, within 10 months, became the youngest president of the party’s Tamil Nadu unit.
Although he lost the 2021 Assembly election, he played a key role in expanding the BJP’s footprint in the state. Under his leadership, the party won four seats in the 2021 Assembly polls, marking its return to the Tamil Nadu Assembly after two decades.
He was also credited with boosting the BJP’s vote share in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu to 11.24 per cent from 3.66 per cent in 2019. In contrast, the party managed to win only one seat in the 2026 elections under the leadership of Nainar Nagendran.
Posters Trigger Speculation
Adding to the intrigue, posters supporting Annamalai have surfaced in parts of Tamil Nadu, including Coimbatore and Madurai, without featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi or other BJP leaders.
Some posters depicted Annamalai alongside actors Rajinikanth and Ajith, reinforcing speculation that his supporters are backing an independent political path.
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu: Posters supporting BJP leader K Annamalai have appeared in Coimbatore without images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi or other BJP leaders. This has sparked speculation that he may make a major announcement on June 4 on his birthday. pic.twitter.com/p9cJfs7GQi— IANS (@ians_india) June 2, 2026
The uncertainty has sparked concern within BJP ranks. Several party workers, particularly from the Yuva Morcha, have urged the leadership to clarify Annamalai’s status and prevent confusion among cadres.
“After rumours surrounding the exit of Annamalai, the BJP appears to be facing confusion among cadres and supporters. Many are concerned, and some are even considering distancing themselves from the party,” BJP Yuva Morcha state secretary R Yogesh said.
The unease has already had visible consequences. BJP fishermen’s wing state president M C Munusamy resigned from the party as speculation over Annamalai’s future intensified.
With supporters awaiting his next move and the BJP leadership maintaining silence, all eyes are now on whether Annamalai uses his birthday to make a major political announcement.
About the Author
Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Chief Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter –twitter.com/saurabhkverma19
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