State secretary Sumathi Venkatesh and at least 14 other office-bearers also resigned from the BJP, according to a report by The Times of India, in what is being seen as the first major show of support for Annamalai after his departure from the party.
Also Read: Annamalai begins new political journey after BJP exit, eyes Tamil Nadu Assembly elections
The resignations came just hours after Annamalai formally ended his association with the BJP and announced the launch of a new political platform, saying his larger political vision for Tamil Nadu could no longer be pursued within the party structure.
Annamalai, one of the BJP’s most prominent faces in the state over the last few years, said he had informed the central leadership about his intention to quit as early as December 2025. According to him, the party leadership had urged him to remain until the completion of the Assembly election campaign.
Explaining his decision, the former IPS officer said his political ambitions for Tamil Nadu were “bigger” and required a broader and more inclusive movement that could unite people across social and political backgrounds. He also confirmed plans to float a new political party and contest future elections in the state.
Also Read: Annamalai’s exit no loss for party, says TN BJP chief Nainar Nagenthran“I have great respect for Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Annamalai said in a social media address, while maintaining that he had parted ways with the BJP amicably despite disagreements over the party’s political direction in Tamil Nadu.
He said the proposed movement would focus on dismantling “cult politics” and dynastic politics, while creating greater space for technocrats, professionals and ordinary citizens in governance.
Celebrations broke out among Annamalai’s supporters after the announcement, with cadres bursting crackers and distributing sweets in several parts of the state.
Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran, however, played down the impact of the resignations and asserted that the party’s organisational strength would remain unaffected.
“There will be no impact on the BJP due to Annamalai’s resignation. Anyone is free to start a political party in a democracy,” Nagendran said.
Annamalai’s exit comes months after he was replaced as Tamil Nadu BJP chief following the revival of the BJP-AIADMK alliance ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. His ties with sections of the AIADMK leadership had remained strained over controversial remarks and ideological differences.
The resignation of Karu Nagarajan and several other BJP functionaries is expected to intensify speculation that more leaders and cadres could shift allegiance to Annamalai’s proposed political outfit in the weeks ahead.
