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NEW DELHI: K Annamalai’s decision to submit his resignation to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) may have stunned many supporters, but for those tracking Tamil Nadu politics closely, the signs had been visible for months. Once projected as the BJP’s most prominent face in the state and credited with expanding the party’s footprint, the former IPS officer had increasingly found himself on the margins of the organisation he helped build.Popularly known as “Singham” for his combative political style, Annamalai joined the BJP in 2020 and was elevated as the Tamil Nadu unit chief a year later. Under his leadership, the party recorded its best-ever Lok Sabha performance in the state in 2024, securing a vote share of 11.4%, a sharp rise from 3.7% in 2019.The momentum, however, proved short-lived. Ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections, Annamalai was replaced as state president, denied a role in key election committees and did not contest the polls. The BJP, meanwhile, saw its vote share fall to around 3%, reigniting questions over its strategy in the state.Also read: Annamalai submits resignation letter to BJP chief Nitin Nabin in Delhi, set to launch new political partyHis move comes as the BJP continues to grapple with the challenge of expanding its influence in southern India. Reports that Annamalai is preparing to launch a new political outfit with a “Tamil-first” and more centrist outlook have only added to the speculation over what led to his departure and what it could mean for the BJP’s future in Tamil Nadu.What pushed Annamalai to the edgeNo role assigned in crucial Tamil Nadu pollsJust a year before the state assembly elections, Annamalai was replaced by Nainar Nagendra as the state BJP chief. In a series of subsequent events, he was seen being pushed to the sidelines within the party.He stepped down as the election in-charge for six constituencies. Later, his name was excluded from BJP’s legislative assembly election management committee. He was also not given any ticket, though he clarified that he “did not express any interest in contesting”.”When I did not express any interest in contesting, how could the leadership allocate me a ticket? If I had decided to contest, it wouldn’t have mattered which constituency I could have contested from anywhere. I am grateful to the BJP leadership for respecting my decision and giving me the opportunity to campaign in support of the NDA alliance candidates,” he had said. BJP’s alliance with AIADMKAnnamalai is said to have expressed his displeasure with the party for its alliance with AIADMK. He is said to have maintained that the BJP should strengthen its own grassroots presence in Tamil Nadu instead of depending on coalition partners. The consequences went against the BJP as TVK, which turned out to be the “third force” swept Tamil Nadu polls.His combative campaigning style, which resonated strongly with younger voters, may be difficult for the party to replicate. The decision could also leave some supporter uncertain about the BJP’s leadership trajectory and political messaging in Tamil Nadu. About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’No Role For Any Third Parties’: India On Nepal PM’s Remarks On Border Encroachment, Britain Talks’Aligning With Traitor’: Mamata Slams TMC Rebels, Claims BJP Rigged Counting In 177 Bengal SeatsIndia Issues Formal Request To France For 114 Rafale Fighter Jets In ₹3.25 Lakh Crore Defence DealI.N.D.I.A Bloc Leaders To Meet June 8 In Delhi To Finalise Joint Strategy Against BJP’Know BJP’ Initiative Hosts Nepal RSP Leader As BJP Expands Global Political DialogueDelhi Shocker: 2 Murders & Child Shot Within 24 Hours in New Usmanpur | Police Launch Massive ProbeSiddaramaiah Likely To Continue Living At Prestigious Cauvery Bungalow Even After Leaving CM PostMamata Banerjee Announces Protest Despite Police Denial, Alleges BJP Plot Against TMCAfter Poll Setback, Annamalai’s Exit Buzz Grows Amid New Party SpeculationShinde, Uddhav Camps See BJP As Bigger Threat, Calls For Sena Reunion Grow123PhotostoriesMeet Calmaria Incredibilis: The two-headed snake from China that fooled scientists for years until DNA proved it!Taking protein powder? 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