K Annamalai quit the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday, with the party formally accepting his resignation from its primary membership.
In a statement, the BJP said National President Nitin Nabin had accepted the resignation submitted by the former Tamil Nadu BJP chief, bringing an end to his association with the party.
On June 2, Annamalai had met Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi amid growing buzz over his possible resignation from the BJP.
He had informed the party’s high command about his decision to quit the party. After the meetings, the party assured Annamalai that they would revert soon after discussing the issues.
While the details of the 30-minute meeting were not officially disclosed, party sources indicated that he was asked to put his resignation plans on hold for the time being.
Sources said Annamalai wants any departure from the BJP to remain amicable and avoid a public confrontation with the party leadership.
According to the report, the former IPS officer had planned months ago to quit the party.
According to sources close to Annamalai, he believes that Tamil Nadu’s political landscape has undergone a significant shift following the rise of actor Vijay as a political force.
Sources also said Annamalai is considering launching a people’s movement, with speculation continuing over whether it could later take the form of a political party.
Amid speculation about whether he may float a new political outfit, Annamalai himself had earlier signalled that clarity would be provided soon.
Speaking to reporters before leaving for Delhi, he said, “Please wait. We will sit down and talk in two days," adding that he would address all questions and explain his position shortly.
The development comes against the backdrop of reported internal unease within the party following his replacement as state unit president by Nainar Nagenthran and the BJP’s renewed electoral alliance with the AIADMK for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
Annamalai, who previously led the state unit, had unsuccessfully contested the 2021 Assembly elections and later chose not to contest the most recent polls, focusing instead on campaigning for the party.
His aggressive political style had reportedly strained ties with the AIADMK, the BJP’s former ally in the state.
With uncertainty continuing to surround his next move, political circles are closely watching Chennai, where his long-anticipated announcement is now expected.
Source: News18