Annamalai, who held discussions with the BJP’s central leadership in New Delhi earlier this week, had conveyed his decision to leave the party despite efforts by senior leaders to persuade him to reconsider.
BJP president Nitin Nabin formally accepted the resignation.
The move marks a significant setback for the BJP in Tamil Nadu, where Annamalai emerged as one of the party’s most recognisable faces from the southern part of the country after joining the organisation in 2020.
A former Indian Police Service officer, he was credited with expanding the BJP’s visibility in the state and building a grassroots network during his tenure as state president.
The resignation follows growing differences between Annamalai and sections of the BJP leadership over the party’s political strategy in Tamil Nadu, particularly its approach towards alliances after the recently-concluded Assembly elections. Reports indicated that the central leadership had asked him to pause any decision on leaving the party while discussions continued.
Annamalai is now expected to pursue an independent political path and may eventually launch a new political party in Tamil Nadu. Speculation around his next move has intensified in recent days, with supporters backing the idea of a separate political platform under his leadership.
