K Annamalai, former Tamil Nadu BJP president and a prominent party figure in southern India for six years, officially declared his exit from the BJP on Friday. He introduced a fresh political initiative that he intends to develop into a party contesting the 2031 state assembly elections.
During an extended online speech blending personal history, political context and future plans, the 42-year-old ex-IPS officer explained that his resignation had been communicated to BJP leaders several months earlier. He portrayed the step as the result of extended internal reflection rather than an abrupt decision.
“On December 4, 2024, I informed the BJP,” Annamalai stated. “They requested I finish election duties before departing.”
The move represents a notable political shift in Tamil Nadu amid evolving dynamics after Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay assumed office and several established parties faced decline.
Annamalai indicated the new group would begin as a movement before becoming a full party. “In the next Tamil Nadu assembly election our party will definitely participate,” he affirmed. The effort operates under We The Leaders, founded in 2020, and includes plans for an A P J Abdul Kalam Centre for Ethics and Politics in Coimbatore to prepare future candidates.
He described the initiative as promoting “common man politics” and moving away from personality-centred approaches. “We must leave behind cult politics,” he said. “We must advance common man politics.”
He also advocated term limits to prevent lifelong dominance by a few figures. “We will end permanent leaders, permanent MLAs, permanent ministers and permanent MPs,” he declared.
Much of the address covered his 2020 entry into the BJP and reasons for leaving. Annamalai noted that actor Rajinikanth had contacted him the day before his BJP joining to invite him into a separate effort. He declined due to a prior commitment to BJP national general secretary B L Santhosh.
Annamalai expressed continued respect for Rajinikanth and for Prime Minister Narendra Modi while noting policy differences over Tamil Nadu matters such as the Mekedatu dam, methane extraction and language policy. He stressed his commitment to Tamil identity alongside Indian nationality.
The former leader highlighted the role of professionals and technocrats in politics, referencing A P J Abdul Kalam, and called on overseas Tamil professionals to engage in public service. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, noting that he and his associates lack established political or business connections.
Annamalai urged supporters to remain patient and avoid hasty switches from other parties while the movement develops gradually.
