2 days ago
Last Updated:April 04, 2025, 18:28 IST
Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai's remarks came amid the speculation over a possible alliance of the old allies, BJP and the AIADMK
K Annamalai (File)
Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai has said that he is not in the race to be the next state chief of the party. He said that there is no scope for a contest or competition in the party and the next president would be elected unanimously.
“I am not in the race for the post of the new state president…I am not ready for any quarrel and I am not in the race." news agency ANI quoted Annamalai as saying when asked whether he is part of the race for the post of Tamil Nadu BJP president.
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu: State BJP chief K Annamalai says, “There is no contest in Tamil Nadu BJP, we will select a leader unanimously. But I am not in the race. I am not in the BJP state leadership race." pic.twitter.com/7OjdbOoTWR— ANI (@ANI) April 4, 2025
On the reported view that the AIADMK leadership was for easing him out of office of state unit president to forge an alliance with the BJP, Annamalai said he was not inclined to make any comment.
“As far as I am concerned, the BJP should do well for all times to come, we will talk at the time of election of new president," he said and added that it could happen soon.
He said that his work as a party worker would continue and asserted he came to politics opposing corruption and there will be no compromise in that respect.
“I want the party to have a bright future. Many have given their lives for the growth of this party. I always wish the best for this party," he said.
He reiterated that alliance decisions rest with BJP’s national leadership. “With respect to the alliance, you have to understand that for a national party like the BJP, a disciplined party, it is our national leadership that will decide. So, we have committees, we have parliamentary boards which look into a lot of angles before they make the decision."
His remarks came amid the speculation over a possible alliance of the old allies, BJP and the AIADMK, in a bid to outset MK Stalin’s ruling DMK in the next year’s assembly elections. Annamalai’s criticism of AIADMK leaders was seen as a key reason for the party snapping ties with the BJP in 2023.
The speculation over revival of the BJP-AIADMK alliance came after AIADMK leader and former Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami met Union Home Minister Amit Shah earlier this week.
BJP Puts Ball In Annamalai’s Court
Meanwhile, it has been reported that the BJP central leadership prefers to continue with Annamalai as the state unit chief if he is willing to work in an alliance with the AIADMK for the 2026 Assembly elections.
According to The New Indian Express report, the BJP leadership has weighed in for the alliance with AIADMK for the upcoming elections, however, it does not want the alliance to materialise at the cost of Annamalai’s position.
“The ball is in Annamalai’s court," a senior leader told the news outlet, adding that during his recent visit to Delhi, it was made clear to him that the AIADMK-BJP alliance is of utmost importance for the Assembly polls.
Location : First Published:April 04, 2025, 18:26 IST
News politics ‘Not Seeking To Continue': K Annamalai Bows Out Of Tamil Nadu BJP Chief Race Ahead Of 2026 Polls
