Just days ago, with the BJP campaign expected to be in six pivotal constituencies for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections, former state president K. Annamalai has quit a few days after being tasked with spearheading the campaign. The high-profile leader said he could not fulfill the logistical requirements of the position for personal reasons as well as his father's failing health.
For his reasons, this role involved a family first decision. At a press conference in Coimbatore Tuesday, Annamalai told reporters that, at present, his main consideration is his father's basic medical care. "The party assigned me the responsibility for six constituencies. However, due to my father’s illness, I must stay in Coimbatore and keep the necessary attention. I can't work far from here in these segments at this time," Annamalai said in press.
The six constituencies assigned to him included Singanallur, Madurai South, Virugambakkam, Karaikudi, Srivaikundam and Padmanabhapuram. Annamalai said that he had conveyed this decision at local level to the current State President Nainar Nagenthran.
Uncertainty Over Candidacy
When asked whether he is about to run for election in upcoming elections, Annamalai refused to settle. Losing the 2024 Lok Sabha election in Coimbatore, the future speculation has been rife. “At the right time, the party high command will make a call on my candidacy. I even rented a house in Coimbatore now, so that I can be accessible to the local public and deal with their complaints," he added.
Political Speculation: Does it Spread More?
A person trying the personal reasons mentioned may be misconstrued, and political analysts are trying to guess the truth. Annamalai's tenure as head of state has been upended, with Nainar Nagenthran replacing him after Nainar's takeover as the new president in April 2025, the party's new executive.
- The AIADMK Factor: The BJP-AIADMK alliance was reinvigorated and Annamalai came out as a vocal critic of the AIADMK leadership, reports said.
- The “Six Seats” Controversy: An inside source said that placing only 6 out of 234 constituencies onto a leader of Annamalai’s stature (who had previously led the whole state unit) would have come to be seen as demotion and thus lead to his "sudden" move to step back.
Impact on BJP’s Campaign
Annamalai’s exit represents a major setback for the BJP’s “En Mann, En Makkal” momentum. As one of the leaders who brought the party more attention in the heartland of Dravidian politics, the fact that he is not on the core election management team could well be demoralising to the rank and file. I think the BJP state unit is about to put out a fresh list of in-charges, but at least for now the one thing the issue is: Is this a temporary leave of absence, or has Annamalai entered a new phase in national politics?
