PTC Web Desk: Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai resigned from the party on Friday, bringing an end to weeks of speculation surrounding his political future and reports that he could launch a new political outfit in the state.

His resignation was formally accepted by BJP's Tamil Nadu in-charge Nitin Nabin, closing a chapter that had generated considerable discussion within political circles and among party workers.

According to party sources, the BJP leadership made several attempts to persuade Annamalai to reconsider his decision. Senior leaders reportedly remained hopeful until the final stages that the former IPS officer would continue with the party.

Earlier this week, Annamalai held a series of meetings in New Delhi with BJP leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP national general secretary (organisation) BL Santhosh, and Nitin Nabin. During the discussions, he is understood to have briefed the leadership on the political landscape in Tamil Nadu and explained the reasons behind his decision to step away from the party.

Sources indicated that Annamalai verbally conveyed his intention to resign during these interactions, signalling that his decision had already been made.

Major setback for BJP in Tamil Nadu

Within BJP circles, Annamalai's exit is being viewed as a significant setback to the party's long-term expansion plans in Tamil Nadu.

Since taking charge of the state unit, he emerged as one of the BJP's most recognisable leaders in the state. His aggressive campaign style, strong attacks on political opponents and extensive grassroots outreach helped raise the party's visibility and energise its cadre base.

Political observers credit Annamalai with playing a key role in expanding the BJP's support in Tamil Nadu. Under his leadership, the party's vote share increased from 3.6 per cent in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections to 11.2 per cent in the 2024 parliamentary polls, its highest-ever vote share in the state.

Despite the improved performance, the BJP failed to win a Lok Sabha seat in Tamil Nadu, with Annamalai losing the high-profile Coimbatore constituency contest.

In April 2025, Annamalai was replaced as Tamil Nadu BJP president by Nainar Nagendran. The leadership change was widely seen as part of the party's efforts to strengthen ties with AIADMK and its leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami ahead of subsequent elections.

The BJP later contested the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections as a junior partner in the AIADMK-led alliance. While the party managed to secure representation in the Assembly, its vote share declined sharply from more than 11 per cent in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls to below 3 per cent.

Annamalai has not yet publicly announced his next political move. However, his resignation has intensified speculation about the possibility of a new political platform in Tamil Nadu.