‘Will Contest Next General Elections': Annamalai After Quitting BJP

‘Will Contest Next General Elections': Annamalai After Quitting BJP Published By, Last Updated: June 05, 2026, 12:48 IST His remarks came shortly after the BJP formally accepted his resignation, bringing an end to his si year association with the party. Annamalai joined the BJP in 2020 and, within 10 months, became the youngest president of the party's Tamil Nadu unit. (X) Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai on Friday signalled his political future just hours after the BJP accepted his resignation from the party’s primary membership, declaring that he would contest the next general election. While addressing a press conference, Annamalai said, “Will contest in the next general election, going to prepare leaders and volunteers." He announced that he would soon launch a new political movement, describing it as the next phase of his public life and political journey. “A common man entering politics is a big thing," he said. Annamalai said there should be no division in efforts to bring people together and build a broader political movement. “There is no alternative view on this. Until then, everyone should be brought together and included." ‘Join Me, Trust Me, Believe Me’ Pitching his political approach, Annamalai said, “We need common-man politics." He also sought public support for his future political journey, appealing directly to people to place their trust in him. “Please join me, trust me, believe me." In a significant remark, the former BJP leader indicated that his future political outfit would not treat the BJP differently from other political parties in Tamil Nadu. “We are no competition to anyone. We are going to view BJP the same way we view DMK, AIADMK, TTV, Vaiko, and Seeman." ‘Our Goals Are Much Bigger’ Reflecting on his time in the BJP, Annamalai described the six years he spent in the party as a valuable phase in his political journey, saying it provided him with both experience and learning. “We consider the six years we spent working in the BJP as a significant opportunity and learning experience." At the same time, he suggested that his political ambitions now extend beyond that chapter, stressing the need for a different kind of politics in Tamil Nadu. “Our goals are much bigger now. There is a need for a politics that can bring about real change," he said. Recalling his entry into public life, Annamalai said his political training began with the party founded by the late Vijayakanth, where he joined as an intern to understand the workings of politics before moving to the BJP. “At the beginning of my political journey, I joined the party founded by Vijayakanth as an intern to learn and gain experience. Subsequently, I continued my political career and public service journey with the BJP." Calling for a broader transformation in the state’s political culture, Annamalai argued that politics should move away from being centred around individuals and instead focus on ordinary people. “We have to come out of one individual-driven politics. We need common-man politics," he said. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: June 05, 2026, 12:25 IST News india ‘Will Contest Next General Elections': Annamalai After Quitting BJP Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...