Former Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai on Tuesday met senior BJP leaders, including party president Nitin Nabin and national general secretary (organisation) BL Santhosh, amid intense speculation over his political future and reports of an impending split from the saffron party.
Sources said the meeting, held in New Delhi, centred on Annamalai’s next political steps, with the former IPS officer reportedly making it clear to the BJP leadership that he intends to pursue an independent path.
According to sources, Annamalai informed Nitin Nabin and BL Santhosh that he wanted to “chart his own course” politically and sought to part ways with the BJP on cordial terms.
The meeting comes against the backdrop of growing buzz that the former Tamil Nadu BJP president is preparing to launch a new political outfit in the state with a nationalist agenda.
Sources indicated that the BJP leadership attempted to persuade Annamalai to remain within the party fold and discussed possible roles for him. However, Annamalai is said to have turned down all offers, including potential responsibilities at the national level and even a Rajya Sabha berth.
Party insiders said Annamalai conveyed that he no longer sees a viable political future for himself within the BJP and has therefore decided against continuing with the organisation.
He has also reportedly ruled out joining any existing political formation in Tamil Nadu, including Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, choosing instead to work towards building an independent political platform.
The developments come nearly a month after the Tamil Nadu Assembly election results, in which the BJP secured just one seat in the 234-member House.
