COIMBATORE: Uncertainty continues over the BJP’s candidate for the Coimbatore North constituency, even as fresh political developments have sparked intense speculation in the district.In a surprising move, several AIADMK candidates contesting from Coimbatore district met BJP state president K. Annamalai at his residence in Kalapatti on Thursday. The leaders also invited him to campaign in their constituencies and honoured him with shawls — developments that Annamalai himself shared on his social media handles, reigniting political chatter.Those who met him included AIADMK candidates Lakshmanan Singh (Valparai), O.K. Chinnaraj (Mettupalayam), S. Damodaran (Kinathukadavu), V.P. Kandhasamy (Sulur), P.R.G. Arun Kumar (Kavundampalayam), and Amman K. Archunan (Coimbatore South). Except for Lakshmanan Singh and O.K. Chinnaraj, the others are sitting MLAs.AIADMK sources said the meeting has given added political significance to Annamalai in the Coimbatore region. “It is surprising that almost all sitting MLAs met him, except S.P. Velumani, who is contesting from Thondamuthur. Many party members were unaware of this development. With the BJP yet to finalise its candidate for Coimbatore North, this meeting may reflect the local cadre’s preference,” they said.Political observers in the Kongu region believe the meeting could be aimed at resolving the ongoing tussle within the BJP over the Coimbatore North seat. “AIADMK candidates and sitting MLAs may have invited Annamalai to campaign as part of a broader strategy. The party could also be looking to leverage him against DMK leader Senthil Balaji, who is contesting from Coimbatore for the first time after shifting from Karur,” an observer said.“Politics often operates through unspoken strategies. We expect clarity on who will contest from Coimbatore North by April 3. This could also signal the next phase of AIADMK-BJP political coordination,” the observer added.Meanwhile, sources said Coimbatore South MLA and BJP Mahila Morcha national president Vanathi Srinivasan had already begun groundwork in the Coimbatore North constituency nearly four months ago. With Annamalai also expressing interest in contesting from the seat, the delay in finalising a candidate is believed to stem from this internal competition.Union minister Piyush Goyal is learnt to have sought detailed reports from both Vanathi Srinivasan and Annamalai on their work in the constituency. Both leaders have reportedly submitted their performance records.
