'Don't leave, we have PM Modi': TN BJP chief seeks to calm nerves after Annamalai's exit

Chennai: Tamil Nadu BJP chief Nainar Nagendran on Saturday urged party workers to remain with the BJP amid growing speculation over the impact of former state president K. Annamalai's exit from the party.

Addressing reporters in Chennai, Nagendran appealed directly to cadres not to join any other political party or movement and emphasised the BJP's national strength.

"My request to the BJP cadres — don't go to any other party or any other movement. Please be here. BJP is a huge party in the world. We have the number one leader in the world, PM Modi," he said.

Resignations trigger political buzz

Nagendran's appeal comes amid a series of resignations from the Tamil Nadu BJP following Annamalai's decision to quit the party and launch a new political movement.

Several office-bearers, including state vice-president Karu Nagarajan and state secretary Sumathi Venkatesh, have reportedly stepped down, fuelling speculation that more leaders could align themselves with Annamalai's new initiative.

The developments have triggered fresh debate over the BJP's future strategy in Tamil Nadu and whether Annamalai's departure could alter the state's political landscape.

Despite the resignations, Nagendran dismissed suggestions that the BJP would suffer any significant setback.

"There is no impact. The BJP is a huge party. So many leaders went out from the party, then joined again," he said.

He argued that the BJP's growth and organisational strength were based on ideology rather than individual leaders and maintained that the party would continue expanding in Tamil Nadu.

Why Annamalai left BJP

Annamalai formally resigned from the BJP this week and launched a new political platform aimed at promoting what he described as "common man politics".

In his resignation letter, the former IPS officer thanked the BJP leadership for supporting him during his political journey but indicated that differences in vision regarding Tamil Nadu's future had influenced his decision.

He has maintained that his departure was amicable and has continued to express respect for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

New movement gains early traction

Annamalai's newly launched movement, popularly known as "Idhu Namma Iyakkam" and associated with the broader initiative "We The Leaders", has attracted considerable public attention.

According to the movement's organisers, more than eight lakh volunteers signed up within hours of its launch, signalling significant interest in the former BJP leader's political experiment.

The platform aims to encourage professionals, entrepreneurs, technocrats and ordinary citizens to participate more actively in governance while promoting what Annamalai describes as growth-oriented and culturally rooted politics.

With the BJP attempting to retain its organisational base and Annamalai seeking to build a new political force, the coming months could prove crucial for Tamil Nadu politics.

Nagendran's public appeal reflects growing efforts by the BJP leadership to reassure workers and prevent further defections, while Annamalai's movement seeks to convert its early momentum into a broader political presence across the state.