New Delhi/Chennai: With reports of the possibility of him launching a new party continuing to circulate, former Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai met party national president Nitin Nabin and its national general secretary (organisation) B L Santhosh in New Delhi on Tuesday.
The meetings lasted several hours, triggering fresh speculation over his future within the saffron party.
The former IPS officer has also sought a meeting with Union home minister Amit Shah, sources said. This is a move that is being closely watched.
On Monday, Annamalai fuelled speculation about his political future by asking reporters to “wait for two days” before he would comment on reports of a possible split from the BJP.
“Please wait. We will sit down and talk in two days,” Annamalai told journalists before leaving for Delhi, refusing to either deny or confirm reports that he was considering launching a new political platform in Tamil Nadu, as reported by Republic TV.
He was the state BJP president before being replaced by Nainar Nagendran. Since the leadership change, Annamalai has largely remained away from day-to-day party affairs, prompting repeated questions about his future within the BJP.
There are reports that Annamalai and his close aides were exploring the possibility of launching a grassroots movement tentatively referred to as “Makkal Sakthi Iyakkam” (People’s Power Movement).
While there has been no official confirmation, sources familiar with the developments say the proposed platform is being conceived as a volunteer-driven organisation aimed at strengthening the leader’s direct connect with the electorate.
Annamalai also fueled speculation by criticising the CBSE’s revised three-language policy. In a rare public divergence from the BJP-led Centre’s position, he urged authorities to withdraw the notification advancing the implementation timeline for the third-language requirement, arguing that it would place unnecessary pressure on students and parents.
This intervention was interpreted by many with Tamil Nadu’s political circles as an attempt by Annamalai to carve out a distinct political identity on issues closely linked to Tamil linguistic and cultural sensitivities.
A large section of BJP cadres continue to view Annamalai as the party’s most recognisable face in the state, particularly among younger voters.
It remains to be seen whether the discussions in Delhi result in reconciliation, a new organisational assignment or the beginning of a different political path.
All eyes are now on whether Annamalai secures a meeting with Amit Shah and what announcement, if any, emerges from the former Tamil Nadu BJP chief in the coming days.
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