K Annamalai steps down as BJP constituency in-charge in Tamil Nadu

Chennai: Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai on Tuesday announced that he has stepped down as the party’s in-charge of six Assembly constituencies due to his father’s ill health.

The Tamil Nadu BJP had in January appointed seven leaders as constituency in-charges as part of its efforts to strengthen organisational preparedness ahead of the Assembly elections.

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Speaking to reporters, the politician said he had requested state BJP president Nainar Nagendran to reassign the constituencies, explaining that his father’s condition has made it difficult for him to travel frequently. “My first duty is to take care of him. The party will consider my request and reallocate functionaries to manage these constituencies,” he reportedly said.

Annamalai had been overseeing Singanallur, Madurai South, Virugambakkam, Karaikudi, Srivaikuntam and Padmanabhapuram ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

Despite relinquishing his organisational responsibilities, he said he would continue campaigning for BJP candidates and NDA allies, including the AIADMK. He added that the party would decide “at the right time” whether he would contest the elections himself.

Addressing speculation that he might focus on Coimbatore, where he contested the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Annamalai said the BJP’s priority was ensuring NDA victories rather than individual ambitions. He also pointed out that Coimbatore South is currently represented by BJP MLA Vanathi Srinivasan, who should be given the opportunity to contest again if the seat is allotted to the party.