Amit Shah, India’s Union Home Minister, dismissed speculation surrounding K Annamalai’s position within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), confirming that Annamalai continues to serve as the president of the BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit. This declaration came during a Friday press conference where the renewed alliance between the AIADMK and the BJP was formally announced.
When questioned about reports suggesting Annamalai’s removal, prompted by apparent concerns from AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami regarding the alliance agreement, Shah responded firmly. “This is absolutely untrue,” he stated with a smile, gesturing towards Annamalai, who was seated beside him. “That’s why he’s sitting here with me.”
Palaniswami, positioned to Shah’s right throughout the conference, mirrored this sentiment with his own smiles.
Further inquiries about a potential central-level role for Annamalai were met with a more indirect response. “Leave certain matters to our party,” Shah remarked. “Don’t worry too much about my party; we will manage it well.”
The announcement of the alliance coincided with the nomination of Nainar Nagendran as the sole candidate for the Tamil Nadu BJP president position, effectively securing his unopposed election. The nomination was supported by Annamalai himself and several other prominent figures within the party including L Murugan and Pon Radhakrishnan.
Shah subsequently shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) detailing Annamalai’s contributions to the party:
“The Tamil Nadu BJP has received a nomination for the post of state president only from Shri @NainarBJP Ji. As the President of the Tamil Nadu BJP unit, Shri @annamalai_k Ji has made commendable accomplishments. Whether it is carrying the policies of PM Shri @narendramodi Ji to people or the programs of the party from village to village, Annamalai Ji’s contribution has been unprecedented. The BJP will leverage Annamalai Ji’s organizational skills in the party’s national framework.”
Despite a lack of substantial electoral breakthroughs for the BJP in Tamil Nadu since Annamalai took over as state chief in 2021, he is widely recognized for significantly increasing the party’s visibility within the region.
- Nainar Nagendran was nominated unopposed to be the next president.
- Annamalai’s nomination was supported by senior leaders.
- Shah highlighted Annamalai’s contributions in a post on X.
Sources indicate that Palaniswami reportedly stipulated Annamalai’s removal as a condition for rejoining the alliance, alleging that Annamalai had attempted to diminish the AIADMK’s influence and position both himself and the BJP as the leading opposition force within Tamil Nadu. His public criticisms of several AIADMK leaders further fueled these concerns.
